Society of Maritime Arbitrators

The Society of Maritime Arbitrators (SMA) is a professional organization that specializes in resolving disputes related to maritime commerce, such as shipping, cargo, and maritime contracts. When parties involved in maritime trade have disagreements that cannot be settled amicably, they often choose arbitration—an alternative to court litigation—guided by the SMA’s rules. The SMA provides a neutral forum and experienced arbitrators to facilitate fair, efficient, and expert resolution of these complex disputes, ensuring the smooth functioning of international and domestic maritime industries.