Specialist courts are needed in the Middle East to speed up the settlement of regional shipping disputes, according to British Maritime law expert, Christopher Mills. A partner in London-based law firm Clyde and Co, Mills said many of the Middle East's existing courts do not have the experience or expertise to handle complex shipping cases, resulting in long delays and inconsistent rulings.
“The setting up of Maritime or Commercial courts, with properly trained judges, would be a giant leap forward,” said Mills, one of the many international professionals participating in Seatrade Middle East Maritime - the region's first integrated conference and exhibition for the general shipping and cruise industries - to be held in Dubai, in February.
“Part of the problem is that the judges who deal with petty squabbles between neighbors, also deal with high value and complicated shipping, insurance and commercial cases,” said Mills. “Many of the judges have had little or no experience of these cases and this can lead to misunderstandings.”
Seatrade Middle East Maritime will be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai Conference Center from February 3-5. It will address critical issues impacting the region's general shipping and cruise industries. The event will also feature an exhibition of maritime related products and services held in the Middle East. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
