[1998] 1 Lloyd’s Rep. 711; [1998] 1 WLR 101; [1998] 2 All ER 990

Richard Southern and Simon Picken were involved in this case concerning issues as to when arbitration is commenced. The first case and one of the few cases in which an extension of time under Section 12 of the Arbitration Act 1996 was granted.

Arbitration – Commencement – Limitation of time – Dispute under contract of affreightment – Letter of Sept. 19, 1995 advising dispute being referred to arbitration – Arbitrator not appointed until Mar. 6, 1997 – Whether appointment out of time – Whether letter of Sept. 19 commenced arbitration because it carried implication that recipient appoint his arbitrator – Whether application for extension of time to appoint arbitrator should be granted