Conference programme

Transport hinges on proper warehousing and storage contracts in a regulatory framework, which are often overlooked by maritime and transport lawyers. Speakers will go into current developments and future challenges for global warehousing and tank storage, set in the new reality of energy transition and a surge of regulatory obstacles.

Electronic bills of lading are increasingly in demand. With several new products being launched over the past two years, the number in use is rising quickly. Although electronic bills of lading have been available for many years, developments with blockchain technology and its recent uptake in the container industry have created new opportunities, which are perhaps long overdue. This session will look at the legal principles behind electronic bills of lading, how they work in practice and the impact of existing and proposed new legislation on this rapidly developing area of law.

The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) mock arbitration aims to showcase an international maritime and trade dispute, conducted under the latest 4th Edition 2022 SCMA Rules, which came into effect on 1 January 2022. Delegates will have the opportunity to gain real insight on how a cross-border arbitration is conducted, based on a dispute between a Chinese and an Indian party, who will be represented by Chinese and Indian counsel of their choice. There will be issues of both law and fact, with a preliminary legal issue to be determined before a tribunal of three experienced arbitrators. The factual witnesses will also be cross-examined during the 90 minute session, and delegates will be able to access the case scenario beforehand.