The United States has generally imposed economic sanctions
against countries and groups to discourage malign or terrorist
activities, ranging from continuing human rights violations to the
pursuit of nuclear armament.1 In recent months, the U.S.
has increased the force and scope of its sanctions regimes, and has
targeted the shipping sector in particular, directing a
"maximum pressure" campaign on enforcement of Iran and
Venezuela sanctions. As foreign policy and sanctions focus more
closely on the maritime and shipping supply chains, maritime
arbitrators in New York, generally considered "U.S.
Persons" within the meaning of U.S. sanctions law, face a
growing risk that U.S. sanctions could apply in disputes to which
they are appointed - - and could even expose the arbitrator to
sanctions.2
