Shipping: Finance (International Firms) - China
What the team is known for
HFW boasts an outstanding shipping disputes team with a strong bench of experienced lawyers advising on both wet and dry cases. The team is regularly instructed on major casualties, including collision and fire claims as well as cargo claims and charter party disputes. The firm also offers shipping finance capabilities, including on syndicated loans and leasing deals. The group provides impressive cross-border coverage from its offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. HFW is instructed by leading maritime companies, including ship owners, general insurance companies, financial institutions and P&I clubs.
Strengths
"The HFW team are very flexible, provide a high level of service and provide advice quickly."
"The team at HFW provides responses that are swift, accurate and of the highest quality."
Work highlights
HFW represented the owners of the 'Sanchi' vessel in litigation against the registered owners of the 'CF Crystal', following a collision resulting in the entire loss of crew and cargo.
Notable practitioners
George Lamplough is a well-established lawyer who has forged a formidable reputation in the field of shipping litigation. He offers a market-leading practice in cross-border contentious matters and crisis management regarding major collisions and casualties, including related loss of life and asset damage claims.
Nicholas Poynder is head of the Shanghai office and has in-depth knowledge of shipping arbitration cases before the ICC, the LMAA, HKIAC and SIAC. He is frequently sought out for representations in matters relating to cross-border contractual disputes and charter party disputes. "Nick is a very professional lawyer who has the clients' interests in his mind." "Nick is our preferred counsel for cross-border dispute resolution."
Peter Murphy is a well-established lawyer who is active in dealing with contentious shipping issues. He has longstanding experience in litigation and arbitration matters concerning charter party disputes and cargo claims. "Peter is very alive to the commercial objectives of the commodities and shipping business."
Patrick Cheung is a triple-qualified lawyer in Hong Kong, Australia and England & Wales, who offers notable strengths in the leasing of vessels as well as syndicated loan financing. His practice includes sale and leaseback transactions. "Patrick has a good understanding of how to resolve business issues from a legal standpoint. He is able to think creatively and is eager to discover new things."
Patrick Yeung is a well-established lawyer with substantial knowledge in shipping litigation. He is seen acting in cases concerning damages claims and cargo interest disputes. "Patrick has handled several cases for us and provided very good results."