Shipping
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 3
About
Provided by Hall & Wilcox
Hall & Wilcox has a dedicated shipping and trade practice providing specialist expertise to handle all shipping related matters. We have extensive experience in marine insurance and associated claims across H&M, P&I, marine liability, cargo and carriers liabilities. We act for domestic and international insurers across shipping, pleasure craft, commercial fishing, harbour and marina risks, tourism, ship repairer and slipway liability and containerised, bulk and break-bulk cargo loss claims. Outside our insurance practice we advise ship owners, charterers and service providers on issues arising during international trade and when serving the offshore industry.
Our work in this area includes:
• Carriage of goods by sea – Advising on disputes that arise during international trade.
• Personal injury in the marine industries – Defence of personal injury claims.
• Marine insurance – Advising insurers on coverage, claims and recoveries across Australia.
• Shipping regulatory – Advising on the regulation of Australian shipping.
• Industrial relations – Advising local and international employers of crew, stevedores.
• Prosecutions and detentions - Defending ship owners, operators and crew members following marine pollution incidents, negligent navigation and Port State Control detentions.
• Casualties – Emergency response incidents.
• Ship Arrest – Arresting ships or securing their release in all jurisdictions around Australia.
Chambers Review
Hall & Wilcox is a highly respected firm for shipping matters in Australia. The team has an extensive knowledge of marine insurance in relation to a wide range of matters such as cargo claims, hull damage and personal injury, among many others. It is also well-versed in carriage of goods, ship arrest and salvage matters. Members of the team have experience acting in litigation and arbitration.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The Hall & Wilcox team had excellent specialised, technical knowledge of the area but also always maintained a commercial focus on achieving a positive, cost-effective outcome for our business."
"The Hall & Wilcox team had excellent specialised, technical knowledge of the area but also always maintained a commercial focus on achieving a positive, cost-effective outcome for our business."
Notable Practitioners
Chris Sacré in Sydney has extensive experience in marine insurance mandates and focusses much of his practice on matters concerning the carriage of goods and cargo claims. He regularly assists clients in the energy and natural resources industries. He also represents marine insurers, ship owners, charterers and cargo owners in disputes.
"It is helpful that Chris is both Australian and English qualified and can advise on both jurisdictions."