Abstract
In this era of commercial globalization, arbitration (ADR) in the petroleum energy industry has taken a preeminent importance in
business relations due to socio- political vested interests. Europe has got fair share of contractual disputes with Russian gas
supplies in the scramble for energy due to the war. This study highlights applicable international legal framework governing ADR in the industry and why parties should opt for it. The study considered the relevancy of Multi-Door Courthouses (MDCHs) in this regard. The doctrinal methodology was used to identify the
role Courthouses and independent ADR institutions play. It was established that parties have reached dead ends and suffered reputational damage from protracted litigation, whereas ADR preserves parties’ corporate reputation and business relationship. It was recommended that the relevant laws be reviewed to strengthen arbitration institutions, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court should have MDCHs to compliment their
mediation centers, to empower judges to refer cases that require expert knowledge to specialized arbitration institutions and that enforcement of awards be made less cumbersome and without need for Court orders.
Key Words: Dispute, Petroleum Energy, Arbitration, Petroleum industry, MultiDoor Courthouse.
