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: Florian Heppner, Lara Nadine Hieronimus, Peter Wölk (member of the Legal Award Committee), 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 and Prayer, 19 November 2025. This year, the event was held the first time below deck of the Museum Ship “RICKMER RICKMERS“, a tall ship built in 1896 wich is permanently moored as a floating landmark of Hamburg since 1983 and gives the get-together a historical maritime atmosphere. The after-dinner speech was given by the Habrour Master and Head of Harbour Master’s Division of the Hamburg Port Authority (HPA), Capt. Simon Rosenkranz, who has provided personal insights into the challenges his department faces in balancing safety, ease, cost-effectiveness and public interest on a daily basis.
The evening was used for the (re-)election of the members of the board, to review the previous year and to discuss how the GMAA can further increase its attractiveness in international maritime arbitration and reach a wider range of interested parties in the future.
Following the General Meeting we were particularly pleased to see the 2nd Edition of the GMAA Legal Awards being presented by the committee set up specifically for this purpose to the proud winners Mr. Florian Heppner (1st place) and Mrs. Lara Nadine Hieronimus (2nd place).
All this gives us confidence and hope for the implementation of the ambitious plans of the GMAA for the year 2026 and we look forward to the Day of Repentance and Prayer 2026 when we are certainly able to take a positive look back on what could be achieved in the interim.
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.
