STAR SHIPPING A.S. v. CHINA NATIONAL FOREIGN TRADE TRANSPORTATION CORPORATION (THE “STAR TEXAS”)

[1993] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 445

COURT OF APPEAL

Before Lord Justice Lloyd, Lord Justice Mann and Lord Justice Steyn

Arbitration - Proper law - Clause in charter that disputes to be referred to arbitration in Beijing or London in “defendants’ option” - Whether clause contained implied choice of floating proper law - Whether clause invalid - Whether clause void for uncertainty - Whether plaintiffs were “defendant” and entitled to exercise option.