Shipping and maritime lawyers

We act in maritime disputes before the Admiralty Court in London and in arbitration, for insurers, shipowners, charterers and cargo interests. We also advise private clients on the problems that arise with yachts and pleasure craft.

Our shipping litigation is led by our Managing Partner, Antonio Arenas. The Admiralty Court dismissed a General Average claim of more than US$1.27 million against our client, the cargo insurer Euroins Insurance JSC, after a four-day trial.

What we do

Admiralty Court litigation

We bring and defend claims in the Admiralty Court, including General Average, collision, salvage and cargo claims, and we deal with security and enforcement.

Marine insurance and General Average

We act for insurers and assureds in coverage disputes, recovery actions and claims under average guarantees and bonds, including where seaworthiness, crew competence and due diligence are in issue.

Charterparty, cargo and arbitration

We act in charterparty and bill of lading disputes, cargo loss and damage claims, and maritime arbitration, and we enforce or resist the enforcement of arbitration awards and judgments.

Yachts and pleasure craft

We act in disputes over defects, delivery and contractual obligations.

Situations we help with

• You are a cargo insurer asked to contribute to General Average and question whether the sums are due.
• Your vessel has been involved in a casualty and you face claims from cargo interests.
• A charterer has failed to pay hire or demurrage.
• The yacht you bought has serious defects or was not delivered as agreed.
• You hold an arbitration award and need to enforce it.

Points to consider

• Time bars are short. Many maritime claims are subject to short contractual or convention time limits. Notify claims and take advice early.
• Evidence from the crew matters. Logs, passage plans and witness evidence from those on board can decide a case. Preserve them immediately after an incident.
• Security. Guarantees and security for costs can determine whether a judgment is worth having.

How we work

• Trial-ready. We prepare maritime cases for trial and instruct specialist counsel for advocacy.
• Insurer experience. Partners in the team have experience acting for insurers in cross-border claims.
• International. We act for clients based outside the UK and advise in English and Spanish.

How a matter usually runs

1. Immediate steps. We advise on evidence, notifications, time bars and security.
2. Assessment. We review the documents and advise on liability and quantum.
3. Proceedings or arbitration. We issue or defend the claim and manage evidence and experts.
4. Resolution and enforcement. We pursue settlement where it makes sense, take the case to trial if needed and enforce the result.

Related services

• Dispute Resolution: commercial and insurance litigation.
• Insolvency & Restructuring: insolvent counterparties.
• Spanish Desk: matters involving Spain.