L’OFFICE CHERIFIEN DES PHOSPHATES AND UNITRAMP S.A. v. YAMASHITA-SHINNIHON STEAMSHIP CO. LTD. (THE “BOUCRAA”)

[1994] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 251

HOUSE OF LORDS

Before Lord Templeman, Lord Goff of Chieveley Lord Jauncey of Tullichettle, Lord Browne-Wilkinson and Lord Mustill

Arbitration - Delay in prosecution - Dispute under charter referred to arbitration - Power conferred by s. 13A of Arbitration Act 1950 to dismiss claim on ground of claimant’s inordinate or inexcusable delay in pursuing arbitration - Arbitrator exercised power dismissing claim - Delay occurred before s. 13A in force - Whether s. 13A had retrospective effect.