Strengthening Partnerships

ADMIRALTY COURT USERS’ COMMITTEE

Headed by specialist shipping judges of the Supreme Court and assisted by the Supreme Court Registry, the Admiralty Court Users’ Committee (ACUC) brings together a diverse range of government agencies, academics, lawyers, and other key players and stakeholders involved in Singapore’s maritime and shipping industry. Its biannual meetings serve as useful forums to gather feedback and suggestions to improve the Admiralty Court’s processes, for the benefit of the industry as a whole.

In 2022, the ACUC met in May and November, with the latter being conducted in person for the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19. Both meetings yielded fruitful discussions on transforming existing practices to meet the industry’s evolving needs in Singapore. For example, members contributed to various initiatives introduced by the Admiralty Court in the wake of the pandemic. Such initiatives included amendments to the Supreme Court Practice Directions to implement a default dispensation of the requirement that security guards be deployed on board arrested vessels, and an explanatory note to ship agents regarding the effects of changes to the Rules of Court that enabled parties to serve court documents on them instead of vessels.

However, the ACUC’s work goes far beyond managing the fallout from COVID-19. A key enduring concern is the gathering of input from various stakeholders to improve and ensure the continued effectiveness of the Admiralty Court’s procedures, given the changing times and needs. One example is the ongoing discussion with members regarding an initiative to reduce the time and costs of litigating collision claims by introducing fast-track procedures adapted from the best practices in other jurisdictions and arbitration institutions. Another initiative being discussed is a review of the new Rules of Court 2021 insofar as they relate to Admiralty Court procedures. Through these means, the ACUC seeks to continually review and improve the workings of the Admiralty Court, so as to fortify Singapore’s position as a leading maritime law dispute resolution centre and thereby secure her position as a leading maritime hub.