MOL Bulk Carriers Pte Ltd v Sin-Tang Development Pte Ltd [2016] FCA 619

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

MOL Bulk Carriers Pte Ltd v Sin-Tang Development Pte Ltd [2016] FCA 619 File number: WAD 517 of 2015

Judge: MCKERRACHER J

Date of judgment: 31 May 2016

Catchwords: ADMIRALTY - Practice and Procedure – application to set aside order for service out of the jurisdiction to Singapore – whether order for service out of the jurisdiction tainted by material non-disclosure or misrepresentation of key facts – whether there is a prima facie case – strength of case at service stage – dealings leading to contracts of affreightment – FOB, CFR and CIF contracts – consequences of such contracts ARBITRATION – International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth), s 7 - whether proceedings should be stayed on the basis of an arbitration clause in the relevant agreement – whether party that contends it is not a party to the agreement is entitled to rely on the arbitration clause in the agreement – whether proceedings should be stayed in the absence of a formal application for a stay under r 28.43 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth)

Legislation: Admiralty Act 1988 (Cth) ss 4(1), 4(3)(f) , 9(1) Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) rr 10.43, 28.43 International Arbitration Act 1974 (Cth) s 7

Cases cited: CMA CGM SA v Ship 'Chou Shan' (2014) 224 FCR 384 Comandate Marine Corp v Pan Australia Shipping Pty Ltd (2006) 157 FCR 45 Jasmin Solar Pty Ltd v Trina Solar Australia Pty Ltd [2015] FCA 1453 Lightsource Technologies Australia Pty Ltd v Pointsec Mobile Technologies AB (2011) 250 FLR 63 Perdaman Chemicals & Fertilisers v ICICI Bank Ltd [2013] FCA 175