The Saint Anna - Q.B.D. (Adm.Ct.) (Sheen J.) - 1 March 1983

Enforcement of arbitration award as an action in rem

The plaintiffs chartered the Saint Anna from the owners on an Exxonvoy 1969 form that provided for any disputes arising from the contract to be submitted to arbitration. A dispute arose over alleged short delivery of the cargo of oil. The dispute was referred to arbitration in June 1978. In August 1979 the arbitrators published their award adjudging that the owners should pay forthwith a sum of $105,923 together with interest. Leave was given to enforce the arbitration award pursuant to section 26 of the Arbitration Act 1950 but the award was not registered.