English law offers three grounds to appeal against or challenge an arbitration award. The most frequently seen is an appeal based on error of law under section 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996 (as amended by the Arbitration Act 2025, the “Act”). But there are two other routes under section 67 of the Act (challenge based on the tribunal’s lack of substantive jurisdiction) and section 68 of the Act (challenge based on a serious irregularity affecting the tribunal, the proceedings or the award). Neither are easy, and many challenges under these sections fail.

Mare Nova Inc v Zhangjiagang Jiushun Ship Engineering Co Ltd [2025] EWHC 223 (Comm) (judgment handed down on 10 February 2025) is an unusual and interesting example of a successful challenge under section 68.Continue Reading Seriously irregular? – Be careful, or your award may be challenged