The Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) launched its fourth set of rules with changes to enable electronic documentation and a higher threshold for expedited arbitrations.
The new rules apply to all arbitrations beginning under SCMA from 1 January 2022, and follow a public consultation in 2020.
The first changes to SCMA’s rules since 2015 want to accommodate the shift to electronic and digital documents. Now, documents can be served electronically, while there are also provisions to allow the signing of arbitration awards electronically.
Furthermore, the small claims procedure with a $150,000 threshold has been replaced by an expedited procedure with a $300,000 threshold.
In addition, oral hearings will no longer be a mandatory part of arbitrationsm with the number arbitrators reduced to two, and a third appointed if required for oral hearings.
In order to prevent an abuse of process by late change of representatives in arbitration, the Tribunal will be empowered to withhold approval to such change where the conduct of proceedings or the enforceability of any award might be prejudiced.
Finally, arbitration proceedings will close after three months from the date of any final written submissions of final hearing, providing certainty to the length of proceedings.