Maritime disputes account for the largest share of Hong Kong arbitration caseload in almost a decade, new report reveals

Hong Kong has reinforced its position as a leading maritime arbitration hub, with maritime disputes accounting for nearly one in five arbitration references before the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) in 2025, the highest proportion recorded in almost a decade, according to a new report from global law firm HFW.

The seventh edition of HFW’s annual Maritime Arbitration in Numbers report, which analyses 2025 statistics from the principal maritime arbitration bodies in Hong Kong, Singapore and London, found that HKIAC recorded 388 arbitration references in 2025. Maritime disputes accounted for 19.9% of those cases (approximately 77 matters), the highest proportion recorded since 2016, when maritime matters represented 21.16% of HKIAC’s caseload.

Maritime disputes were the second-largest category of disputes before the Centre in 2025, behind only Corporate and Shareholder Disputes (23.6%), underscoring the growing importance of maritime arbitration within Hong Kong’s dispute resolution market. This marked a significant increase from 12% of cases in 2024 and 16% in 2023.

Strong activity was also evident at the Hong Kong Maritime Arbitration Group (HKMAG), which reported 144 maritime appointments during 2025, remaining close to record levels. Together, the HKIAC and HKMAG figures highlight the continued strength of Hong Kong’s maritime arbitration market and reinforce its position as a leading venue for resolving complex international shipping disputes.

Nicola Hui, Partner, HFW:

“Hong Kong continues to build momentum as a maritime arbitration centre, with increasing activity at the HKIAC and a sustained high level of appointments at the HKMAG.

“Hong Kong’s combination of a trusted arbitration framework, a pro-arbitration judiciary and unique access to Mainland Chinese interim measures makes it particularly attractive for parties involved in maritime disputes connected with China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

“As maritime trade continues to evolve, Hong Kong is likely to play an increasingly important role in resolving complex international shipping disputes.”

Paul Dean, Partner and Global Head of Shipping, HFW:

“This year’s data offers fresh insight into the evolution of the global maritime arbitration landscape. While London remains the dominant centre for maritime arbitration globally, the increasing prominence of Hong Kong highlights the growing appeal of arbitration across Asia.”

“The statistics show that the market is responding to continued investment and reform across the leading arbitral jurisdictions, creating greater choice and helping to strengthen the global maritime arbitration landscape.”

“As geopolitical conditions and trade disruption continue to generate complex disputes across the shipping sector, we expect demand for high-quality, experienced and internationally recognised dispute resolution forums to remain strong.”

The full Maritime Arbitration in Numbers 2026 report can be accessed here.