The GMAA is an unincorporated association dedicated to the promotion of alternative dispute resolution procedures in the maritime industry. The GMAA does not conduct any proceedings itself, but merely provides the relevant regulations and procedural information. In addition, the GMAA organises information and training events on arbitration, mediation, experts reports and conciliation.
In the picture from left to right: Peter Wölk (member of the Legal Award Committee), Lara Riese (award winner), Gregor Harbs (GMMA Chairman) and Dr. Martin Lögering (member of the Legal Award Committee)
Traditionally, the GMAA's Annual General Meeting and Annual Dinner took place in Hamburg on the Day of Repentance, 20 November 2024. This year, the event was once again held at the Übersee-Club, which, with its rich history and special ambience, gives the get-together a very special touch. The after-dinner speech was given by the President of the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency, Prof. Helge Heegewaldt, who provided an insight into the work of his agency with a particular focus on hazard prevention and environmental protection at sea. Events such as these are a good opportunity to pause and reflect on the past year. 2024 was another eventful and successful year for the GMAA and we have once again managed to increase awareness of the GMAA Rules in national and international waters and highlight their advantages. We were particularly pleased to see the first GMAA Legal Awards being presented by the committee set up specifically for this purpose to the winners Ms Merle Fokken (1st place) and Ms Lena Riese (2nd place) during the General Meeting. All of this allows us to look ahead confidently and with great expectations to 2025, which will definitely hold great events in store for all GMAA members once again.
In the picture from left to right: Prof Klaus Bergmann (Emden / Leer University of Applied Sciences), Prof Mathias Münchau (Emden / Leer University of Applied Sciences), Gregor Harbs (Chairman GMAA / Ahlers & Vogel, Hamburg), Dr Marcus Webersberger (Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, Leer), Arne Hansen (Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein, Leer), Sebastian Zehmke-Marahrens (TRACTEBEL DOC OFFSHORE GmbH, Bremen), Thomas Bock (BBC Chartering, Leer)
Yesterday, in cooperation with the Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, we were able to revive a cherished tradition and bring the GMAA closer to the ‘next generation’ of the shipping industry in a mock arbitration. Together we were guests at MARIKO in Leer, East Frisia.
It is always inspiring to work on legally exciting cases together with students. For the first time, we expanded the audience to include trainee shipping merchants and employees from local companies in the maritime industry.
Many thanks to the performers who made the event a great success!
