Arbitration and Settlement of Demurrage Claims

About the Course

Demurrage disputes continue to represent a significant source of financial exposure and commercial tension in maritime and energy logistics. Delays arising from port congestion, operational inefficiencies, documentation gaps, and contractual ambiguity frequently escalate into formal claims and disputes, placing pressure on commercial, operational, and contract management teams. As markets become more volatile and contractual scrutiny increases, organisations must be able to defend their entitlements while managing relationships and controlling the cost and duration of disputes. Arbitration has therefore become a critical mechanism for resolving demurrage claims, requiring professionals to understand not only the contractual basis of claims but also the procedural and evidentiary standards applied in dispute resolution.

This 5-day Arbitration and Settlement of Demurrage Claims training course is designed to strengthen delegates’ capability to manage demurrage claims from preparation through arbitration and settlement. It equips professionals with the knowledge needed to assess dispute exposure, structure claims effectively, and engage in dispute resolution with commercial and procedural awareness. Emphasis is placed on linking operational conduct, documentation, and contractual interpretation with dispute outcomes, enabling delegates to recognise how day-to-day decisions influence liability, recovery, and escalation. It also promotes a structured approach to settlement strategy, supporting informed judgment on when to pursue arbitration and when to resolve disputes commercially. By enhancing understanding of arbitration processes and settlement techniques, delegates will be better positioned to protect organisational interests, reduce unnecessary losses, and achieve more controlled and predictable dispute outcomes.

Core Objectives

By the end of the training course, delegates will be able to:

• Recognise key principles and terminology in demurrage arbitration and settlement
• Explain how operational delays and contractual terms lead to arbitration of demurrage claims
• Interpret charterparty clauses and records to determine entitlement and liability
• Use structured methods to prepare and present demurrage claims in arbitration
• Review dispute scenarios to identify procedural risk, evidentiary gaps, and commercial exposure
• Compare arbitration and settlement options based on contractual position, cost, and business impact
• Develop strategic approaches to managing demurrage disputes and controlling arbitration-related risk

Training Approach

This training course is delivered through a structured, facilitator-led format supported by guided discussion and realistic commercial scenarios. It focuses on strengthening professional judgement and improving delegates’ ability to manage demurrage arbitration and settlement with clarity, discipline, and commercial awareness.

The Attendees

This training course is suitable for professionals responsible for managing demurrage exposure, contractual performance, and dispute resolution who require a practical and commercially focused understanding of arbitration and settlement processes.

It will be valuable to the professionals, but not limited to the following:

• Chartering Managers
• Commercial Managers
• Demurrage and Claims Officers
• Shipping and Marine Operations Managers
• Terminal and Port Operations Personnel
• Finance and Cost Control Professionals
• Legal Support and Dispute Management Teams
• Professionals involved in Claims Recovery or Contract Performance Monitoring

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: COMMERCIAL AND LEGAL CONTEXT

• Commercial Role of Arbitration in Demurrage Disputes
• Contractual Basis of Demurrage Claims
• Rights and Obligations of Contractual Parties
• Legal Framework Governing Maritime Arbitration
• Business Impact of Arbitration Outcomes

DAY TWO: CLAIM PREPARATION FOR ARBITRATION

• Structure and Presentation of Demurrage Claims
• Time Bars and Procedural Notice Requirements
• Evidence Standards and Burden of Proof
• Record-keeping and Document Control
• Quantification of Demurrage Exposure

DAY THREE: ARBITRATION PROCEDURE

• Starting Arbitration Proceedings
• Appointment and Function of Arbitrators
• Case Management and Procedural Timetables
• Statements of Claim and Defence
• Costs, Disclosure, and Evidentiary Process

DAY FOUR: SETTLEMENT AND RESOLUTION

• Commercial Valuation of Demurrage Dispute
• Negotiating Settlement during Arbitration
• Mediation and Alternative Resolution Options
• Drafting and Enforcing Settlement Agreements
• Managing Business Relationships during Disputes

DAY FIVE: STRATEGIC DISPUTE MANAGEMENT

• Dispute Prevention through Contract Control
• Drafting Arbitration and Demurrage Clauses
• Internal Escalation and Governance Procedures
• Managing Counsel, Costs, and Exposure
• Integration of Dispute Management into Operations

Certificate Awarded

Upon successful completion of this training course, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion from XCalibre Training Centre, acknowledging their accomplishment. This certificate serves as a testament to their dedication to developing their skills and advancing their expertise in their respective fields.