Meaning
The procedural framework of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre provides for the appointment of an emergency arbitrator to hear urgent requests for relief. Following the siac emergency rules allows a party to obtain an order or award within days of filing a notice of arbitration. This fast-track system is a popular feature for commercial parties operating in Asian markets.
Fast Track
Procedures are streamlined to ensure that a decision is reached before the damage becomes irreversible. Because the siac emergency rules mandate the appointment of an arbitrator within one day of an application, the response time is among the fastest in the world. The arbitrator must then issue a schedule for the emergency hearing immediately.
Arbitrator Appointment
Expertise in the subject matter of the dispute is a consideration for the centre.
Order Enforcement
Decisions made under this system are generally enforceable in the same way as any other arbitral award. Since the siac emergency rules are part of the agreement to arbitrate, the parties are contractually bound to comply with the result. The emergency arbitrator ceases to have authority once the main tribunal is constituted.
This ensures a transition between the urgent phase and the regular conduct of the case.
