1. Contentious Work
The firm acts for various major P&I Clubs, their local correspondents and their member shipowners/shipping lines in marine collision and casualty investigations and related litigation. The firm also routinely advises and represents Club/carriers’/charterers interests on charterparty and bill of lading claims and disputes such as the incidents relating to the loss of containers laden on board the vessels “Ching Ho” and “Noble Spirit”.
Another facet of the firm’s contentious maritime work includes investigating and advising on maritime casualties. Recent undertakings include defence representation in relation to oil pollution incidents as well as personal/fatal injury claims.
The firm also frequently undertakes instructions on marine insurance (including Hull & Machinery insurance and cargo insurance matters) directly from underwriters as well as through various international defence and recovery agents. The firm has acted for insurers in both defending and prosecuting cargo loss/damage and related claims. The firm also acts for international freight forwarders (air and sea), major shipping line operators and logistics/warehousing service providers (local and international) in defending and prosecuting cargo claims.
Recent notable cases which the firm has handled include:-
The firm is also on the panel of external lawyers for PSA Corporation Ltd and its group of companies.
2. Non-Contentious Work
An important aspect of the firm’s shipping portfolio includes advising and acting for financiers and international shipowners/operators, in ship financing and sale & purchase and financing transactions. The firm also regularly advises clients on the drafting of charterparties, fixture notes, contracts of affreightment and slot agreements, and on general corporate re-structuring.
3. Oil and Bunker Trade
The firms acts for and advises (in both contentious and non-contentious matters) various international and local players in the oil and bunker trade.