The Technology and Construction Court’s annual report has revealed a 17.2% fall in the number of applications heard: 448, down from 541 the previous year.

The report, which covers the work of the TCC in England and Wales in the year to 30 September 2024, also notes a 7.49% fall in new claims issued while the settlement rate at ‘just over’ 80% remained ‘in line with the consistently high rate over the last few years’.

The court has seen an increasing number of disputes arising out of complex computer software and IT infrastructure systems, according to the report. Artificial intelligence is 'increasingly important' both as subject matter and the management and conduct of cases. The court now has a dedicated AI Working Group.

Rolls Building

The London TCC operates from the Rolls building (pictured)

Source: Alamy

Cases the TCC has dealt with during the year include the group litigation action in Municipio de Mariana v BHP Group (UK) Limited & Others over a dam collapse in Brazil; Tata Consultancy v Disclosure and Barring Service, a case centered on the application of the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1988 and Harrison Jalla & Others v Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Limited and Another, a case establishing jurisdiction in an action where the claimants sought damages over an oil spill in the Bonga oilfield, off the coast of Nigeria.

In the London TCC, which operates from the Rolls building, 423 claims were brought during October 2023 to September 2024, a decrease of 7.49% from the previous year and returning to pre-Covid level.

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Between October 2023 and September 2024, 92 claims were transferred out of the London TCC to regional courts, with the Central London County Court receiving the majority (55). Of the total number of claims transferred, over half (55) were adjudication enforcements.

A total of 65 trials were listed at the TCC, 11 were contested and 83% of cases settled before judgment. The settlement figure, the report said, is ‘consistent’ with the last two years (84% in 21/22 and 81% in 22/23).

During the period October 2023 to September 2024, Leeds had the highest increase in new claims while Manchester had the largest decrease.

In the report’s introduction, Mr Justice Waksman thanked the judges and deputy judges of the TCC as well as court staff for ‘their constant dedication and hard work’.