Originally from Navigating Maritime Arbitration: The Experts Speak

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In arbitration, disputes under related, even back-to-back, contracts can lead to inconsistent results.1 However, if arbitrations under such contracts can be consolidated, the risk of inconsistent results can be greatly reduced if not eliminated altogether. In addition, the consolidation of related arbitrations can reduce the expense (in terms of evidence production, witness testimony, legal and arbitral fees) that would be incurred in separate proceedings. Thus, consolidation is a salutary aspect of arbitration but there are limitations to its availability that must be considered. This chapter will examine the judicial treatment of consolidation and the availability of this procedural remedy by rule or contract.