Ukrainian Maritime Arbitration Commission (UMAC) at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The Ukrainian Maritime Arbitration Commission (UMAC) at the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a key institution for resolving maritime disputes in Ukraine. Operating on arbitration principles, UMAC enables parties to resolve disagreements outside of state courts—often faster and more effectively.

Legal status and jurisdiction of UMAC

UMAC is a permanent arbitration institution that settles disputes arising from contractual and other legal relationships in the field of merchant shipping. Its operation is governed by the Law of Ukraine “On International Commercial Arbitration”, the UMAC Rules, and international treaties to which Ukraine is a party, including the 1958 New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards.

UMAC’s jurisdiction covers a wide range of maritime disputes, including but not limited to:

Disputes from cargo transportation contracts: charter parties, bills of lading, time charters, demise charters, demurrage claims, dispatch issues, and cargo claims.

Marine insurance disputes: compensation claims for insured events.

Maritime accidents: vessel collisions, salvage, general average.

Shipbuilding, repair, and sale-purchase contract disputes.

Disputes from port operations: towing, pilotage, port charges.

Advantages of arbitration in UMAC

Choosing UMAC to resolve maritime disputes offers significant advantages:

Expertise: Arbitrators are highly qualified in maritime and commercial shipping law, ensuring a deep understanding of the subject matter and well-reasoned decisions.

Confidentiality: Proceedings are private, allowing parties to protect commercial secrets and business reputation.

Efficiency: UMAC offers a streamlined process often faster than litigation in state courts, enabling prompt protection of violated rights.

Procedural flexibility: Parties may influence the composition of the tribunal and agree on certain procedures, tailoring the process to their needs.

Finality and enforceability: UMAC awards are final and enforceable voluntarily or, if necessary, through state courts in Ukraine and abroad under the New York Convention.

Global recognition: Thanks to Ukraine’s international obligations, UMAC awards are widely recognized and enforceable globally.

Limitation period in UMAC proceedings

Many legal professionals ask whether limitation periods apply in UMAC. This issue is particularly relevant in international cargo transportation cases.

UMAC applies limitation periods—often defined in international instruments such as the 1989 Bratislava Agreements, which typically provide a one-year limitation for claims arising from cargo transportation.

However, extraordinary circumstances—such as the imposition of martial law—may affect these periods. According to the Transitional Provisions of the Civil Code of Ukraine, limitation periods may be suspended during martial law. This legal flexibility ensures the protection of parties' rights in unpredictable conditions, making UMAC a resilient tool in complex economic and political environments.

Conclusion

The Ukrainian Maritime Arbitration Commission is a vital part of Ukraine’s alternative dispute resolution framework in the maritime industry. It offers effective, confidential, and internationally respected resolution of complex maritime disputes while combining global standards with national legal specifics. UMAC helps maintain stability and predictability in international maritime commerce.

You may also be interested in: legal support in the ICAC at the Ukrainian CCI.