Black and Veatch v Jurong Engineering: Applicability of SIAC Arbitration Rules

In Black and Veatch Singapore Pte Ltd v Jurong Engineering Ltd, the Singapore Court of Appeal, comprising Chao Hick Tin JA, Woo Bih Li J, and Yong Pung How CJ, addressed the issue of which set of arbitration rules, the SIAC Rules or the SIAC Domestic Rules, applied to a dispute arising from a contract between Black & Veatch Singapore Pte Ltd and Jurong Engineering Ltd. The court dismissed the appeal, holding that the SIAC Domestic Rules applied, favoring the presumption that procedural rules in force at the commencement of arbitration should govern.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

Court of Appeal of the Republic of Singapore

1.2 Outcome

Appeal Dismissed

1.3 Case Type

Arbitration

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

The Court of Appeal determined whether the SIAC or SIAC Domestic Arbitration Rules applied to a contract dispute. The court favored the rules in force at the commencement of arbitration.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Black and Veatch Singapore Pte LtdAppellantCorporationAppeal DismissedLost
Jurong Engineering LtdRespondentCorporationAppeal DismissedWon

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Chao Hick TinJustice of AppealNo
Woo Bih LiJudgeYes
Yong Pung HowChief JusticeNo

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Steven ChongRajah and Tann
Vivien TengRajah and Tann
Christopher ChongWong Partnership
Mohan PillayWong Partnership

4. Facts

  1. Black & Veatch and Jurong Engineering entered into a contract on 4 January 2000.
  2. The contract contained an arbitration clause (GC42.2.1).
  3. Differences arose between the parties, leading to arbitration proceedings.
  4. Jurong commenced arbitration under the SIAC Domestic Rules.
  5. Black & Veatch objected, arguing the SIAC Rules should apply.
  6. The judge below decided that the SIAC Domestic Rules applied.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Black and Veatch Singapore Pte Ltd v Jurong Engineering Ltd, CA 125/2003, [2004] SGCA 30

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Contract signed
Notice of arbitration issued
Appeal dismissed

7. Legal Issues

  1. Applicability of Arbitration Rules
    • Outcome: The court held that the SIAC Domestic Rules applied to the arbitration proceedings.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Sub-Issues:
      • Interpretation of arbitration clause
      • Application of SIAC Rules versus SIAC Domestic Rules
    • Related Cases:
      • [2004] 1 SLR 333
      • [1979] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 279
      • [1981] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 583

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Arbitration

9. Cause of Actions

  • Breach of Contract

10. Practice Areas

  • Arbitration
  • Commercial Litigation

11. Industries

  • Construction
  • Engineering

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
Jurong Engineering Ltd v Black & Veatch Singapore Pte LtdHigh CourtYes[2004] 1 SLR 333SingaporeAffirmed the lower court's decision that the SIAC Domestic Rules applied to the arbitration.
Bunge SA v KruseN/AYes[1979] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 279N/ACited for the principle that procedural rules in force at the commencement of arbitration apply, unless the rules contain mainly substantive provisions.
Bunge SA v KruseN/AYes[1980] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 142N/AAffirmed the decision in [1979] 1 Lloyd’s Rep 279 on other grounds.
Peter Cremer v Granaria BVN/AYes[1981] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 583N/AFollowed Bunge SA v Kruse regarding the applicability of arbitration rules in force at the commencement of arbitration.
China Agribusiness Development Corporation v Balli TradingN/AYes[1998] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 76N/ADistinguished in the Matter of an Arbitration between CCC Pte Ltd and RRR Pte Ltd ARB 074/02 (2003).

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
International Arbitration Act (Cap 143A, 2002 Rev Ed)Singapore
Arbitration Act (Cap 10, 2002 Rev Ed)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Arbitration
  • SIAC Rules
  • SIAC Domestic Rules
  • Arbitration Clause
  • Rules of Arbitration
  • Commencement of Arbitration

15.2 Keywords

  • Arbitration
  • SIAC
  • Contract
  • Singapore
  • Rules
  • Dispute

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Arbitration95
Commercial Arbitration60
Contract Law40

16. Subjects

  • Arbitration
  • Contractual Disputes