How is a maritime arbitration proceeding initiated in New York?
As the claimant, you simply advise the other party that you are invoking the arbitration clause in the Charter Party or contract and simultaneously advise that party of your nominated arbitrator’s name, address, telephone and telefax numbers. Under the most common New York arbitration clause, such as Clause 17 of the New York Produce Exchange Time Charter Party, three arbitrators must be appointed: each party to the dispute appoints one and the two party-appointed arbitrators then appoint the third arbitrator who serves as Chairman of the arbitration panel conducting the proceeding. The claimant appoints the first arbitrator and asks his opponent to appoint his. However, if your Charter Party or contract provides for a sole arbitrator, you begin by providing your opponent with a list of suggested arbitrators upon which you need to reach agreement, so that the sole appointee can be selected. If you cannot agree on a sole arbitrator, you need to apply to the court so that it can appoint
