Easybiz Investments v Sinograin Oils Corporation and Anr (The "Biz") - QBD (Comm Ct)(Hamblen J) - 7 September 2010

Arbitration - Jurisdiction - Commencement - Cargo interests giving single notice to shipowners to appoint an arbitrator in respect of disputes arising under 10 bill of lading contracts - Whether notice valid to commence 10 separate arbitrations

On 12 May 2008 the motor vessel Biz lost her rudder whilst laden with crude degummed soya bean oil in bulk. The vessel was towed to Cape Town for repairs and General Average was declared. The shipowners subsequently declared the voyage frustrated and required the cargo interests to take delivery of their goods in Cape Town. As a result, the cargo interests were forced to tranship the cargo at their cost to its destination.