Stella-Jones Inc and Anr v Hawknet Ltd and Ors (The "Mariana") - Fed Ct (Trial Div)(Hugessen J) - 23 October 2001

Arbitration - Parties entering into booking note on "Conline" form - Bill of lading subsequently issued containing "Centrocon" arbitration clause - Whether arbitration agreement in writing - Whether stay of proceedings should be ordered

The plaintiff cargo owners and the owners of the vessel Mariana entered into a booking note in the standard "Conline" form in relation to the carriage of the plaintiffs' cargo of telegraph poles from Nova Scotia to Syria. The relevant part of the signature page on the booking note provided: