London has maintained its position as the world’s top maritime arbitration hub, although new data from HFW shows Asia’s centres are closing the gap.
The law firm’s sixth Maritime Arbitration in Numbers report analysed responses from 19 arbitral bodies across 18 jurisdictions. It found that while London remains dominant, Singapore and Hong Kong are rapidly building their share, while new hubs in Dubai, China and the US are showing growing momentum.
The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) recorded 1,845 new maritime references in 2023, the highest since 2014. Numbers slipped slightly in 2024 to 1,733, reflecting a return to pre-pandemic levels, but London still handled more than 1,800 new maritime arbitrations last year. The London Court of International Arbitration also reported a dip in transport and commodities disputes, though the sector maintained its largest caseload.
Singapore remains London’s closest competitor. The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) reported 95 new cases in 2024, a 73% jump year-on-year, while the Singapore International Arbitration Centre logged 72 maritime disputes. Combined, Singapore accounted for about 9% of London’s maritime arbitration caseload, up from 7% in 2023 and 5% in 2022.
Hong Kong is also climbing, with 43 maritime cases filed at HKIAC in 2024 and a 36% increase in appointments at HKMAG. Both centres have steadily expanded since 2020.
China is emerging as a player, with the China Maritime Arbitration Commission reporting 239 cases in 2024, including 93 foreign-related disputes. Dubai’s DIAC, meanwhile, handled 12 shipping cases last year, several linked to Russian oil trades.
In the US, New York’s Society of Maritime Arbitrators saw an 18% rise in arbitral appointments in 2024, while activity is also growing along the Gulf Coast through the Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association.
HFW noted that London’s dominance is unlikely to be overturned soon, particularly with reforms under the Arbitration Act 2025 reinforcing its appeal. But the growing strength of Asian and regional hubs points to a more competitive and diversified arbitration landscape ahead.
