ABOUT HMAA
Industry expertise, organized for dispute resolution.
The Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association was organized and incorporated in the 1990's as a not-for-profit entity to gather together from the pool of maritime and commercial related expertise in Houston, members ready, willing and able to serve as arbitrators of disputes arising in the course of business involving all aspects of maritime, energy, oil & gas, transportation and related commercial activities, performed anywhere in the world.
WHAT WE DO
A commercially effective alternative to our congested and expensive judicial system.
HMAA facilitates efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution for members of the maritime, oil & gas, energy and transportation industries. We bring together a pool of highly qualified industry and legal professionals.
Our members include arbitrators, mediators, litigators and expert witnesses, each of whom possess the expertise needed to resolve legal disputes.
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Arbitrators -
Mediators -
Litigators -
Expert Witnesses
HMAA does not administer the alternative dispute resolution process.
Rather, we bring together the experts you will need to conduct a self-administered and cost effective arbitration or mediation. You can review the expertise of our members on our member list.
THE HOUSTON MARKET
One of the world's major homes for transportation and commercial services.
PORT OF HOUSTON, RANK IN THE USA
Second largest
PORT OF HOUSTON, RANK WORLDWIDE
Seventh largest
Houston is also one of the world's major homes to many domestic and international companies that provide or use transportation and other commercial services.
The Houston/Galveston Metroplex is home as well to a large number of maritime firms, historically frequent or occasional users of the services of arbitration and mediation as alternative conflict resolution:
Shipowners
Charterers
P and I Clubs
Offshore oil and gas contractors
Marine and subsea construction
Energy exploration providers
Operators
Drilling
Marine and energy underwriters and brokers
Freight forwarders
As such, Houston was the logical place to establish a major arbitration association servicing these industries.
MISSION STATEMENT
An ethical, convenient, commercially viable and cost-effective venue.
HMAA was organized to offer the following to all businesses and persons involved in the maritime, oil & gas, energy and transportation industries.
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Training
A central organization for the training of qualified, experienced individuals in the rules and skills for arbitration of maritime disputes, with emphasis on highest ethical standards.
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A central registry of members
With relevant information on each member open to the industry to aid all parties to a dispute in the selection and appointment of arbitrators, mediators and expert witnesses.
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A public roster and membership information
The website contains a roster of current members, clearly marked to identify those members which have completed a HMAA course of training as qualified arbitrators. Information for those interested in joining the association is also available on the site.
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A published set of Rules for Arbitration
To inform all parties as to how arbitrations will be conducted, designed to promote fair, speedy and cost-effective arbitrations. Available on this website.
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An alternative forum
For the cost-effective and efficient resolution of disputes.
Our mission includes the task of fostering among the industry we serve, the motivation to choose this venue for their arbitrations and mediations and to negotiate to seek language in charter parties, booking notes, and other relevant contracts to include provision for the choice of:
SUGGESTED CONTRACT WORDING: “Houston Arbitration” “HMAA Rules to apply”
