London has reinforced its standing as the world's foremost centre for maritime dispute resolution, while Singapore and Hong Kong continue to consolidate their positions as Asia's leading arbitration hubs, according to the latest findings from global law firm HFW.

Maritime Arbitration in Numbers: London rebounds as Singapore and Hong Kong maintain momentum is the seventh edition of HFW's annual report analysing maritime arbitration activity across the world's principal arbitration centres. The study reviews 2025 statistics from the key maritime arbitration bodies in London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, offering a detailed snapshot of where international parties are choosing to resolve shipping-related disputes and how global arbitration trends are developing. Maritime arbitration is the preferred mechanism for resolving cross-border shipping disputes — covering charterparty disagreements, cargo damage claims, collisions, and insurance matters — because it offers confidentiality, specialised expertise, and international enforceability of awards under the 1958 New York Convention, ratified by more than 170 contracting states.

London Posts Highest Caseload in More Than a Decade

The report documents a marked recovery in London-based maritime arbitration. The London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) recorded 2,015 new maritime references in 2025 — a 16% increase compared with 2024 and the association's highest annual figure in over a decade, further cementing London's status as the world's most popular venue for maritime arbitration. London's dominance in this field is underpinned by centuries of English maritime law jurisprudence, the framework of the English Arbitration Act 1996, and a deep pool of specialist maritime practitioners and arbitrators.

Asian Hubs Sustain Momentum

Although London remains comfortably ahead in overall volume, the report underscores the continued strength of Asia's leading arbitration centres.

Singapore sustained the robust levels of maritime arbitration activity it has built in recent years. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration jointly recorded 168 maritime arbitrations in 2025, reinforcing Singapore's position as the leading Asian alternative to London for maritime dispute resolution.

Hong Kong also registered notable growth. Maritime disputes accounted for nearly 20% of all cases registered at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre in 2025, while appointment volumes at the Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group remained near record levels.

Jurisdictions Investing in Reform and Enhanced Frameworks

While London continues to be the globally preferred arbitration venue, the findings point to sustained efforts across multiple jurisdictions to improve legal frameworks and expand arbitration offerings.

Paul Dean, Partner and Global Head of Shipping at HFW, said:

"This year's data offers fresh insight into the evolution of the global maritime arbitration landscape. London's strong rebound demonstrates the continuing confidence that the global shipping sector places in its legal framework and institutions, while the sustained activity levels in Singapore and the increasing prominence of Hong Kong highlight the growing appeal of arbitration across Asia.

The statistics show that the market is responding to continued investment and reform across the leading arbitral jurisdictions, creating greater choice and helping to strengthen the global maritime arbitration landscape. As geopolitical conditions and trade disruption continue to generate complex disputes across the shipping sector, we expect demand for high-quality, experienced and internationally recognised dispute resolution forums to remain strong."

The full Maritime Arbitration in Numbers 2026 report is available here:

Source: HFW