Shipping
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 3116 3000Chambers Review
Reed Smith has an accomplished shipping group housing a deep bench of practitioners with the capability to act for clients on the full range of shipping issues. It works with a large number of international clients on contentious and non-contentious matters including both wet and dry work. The firm is known for its work on London-based arbitrations. The team is routinely sought after for advice by a range of clients, including shipping, transport, energy and commodities sector organisations. Additionally, the firm's lawyers provide expert guidance on salvage and wreck removal.
Work Highlights
- Reed Smith acted for Smit Salvage and Multraship on discussions regarding cargo interests involving the fire on a car carrieroff the coast of the Netherlands in July 2023.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"They have a particularly good understanding of how their clients' businesses work and of commercial implications."
"The shipping team has wide knowledge and experience in all aspects of the shipping industry as well as a deep understanding of possible commercial and cross-jurisdictional complications."
"Reed Smith demonstrated good technical understanding of the subject matter in disputes. The team was well balanced, from partner level down. It was well resourced and responsive."
"They have a particularly good understanding of how their clients' businesses work and of commercial implications."
"The shipping team has wide knowledge and experience in all aspects of the shipping industry as well as a deep understanding of possible commercial and cross-jurisdictional complications."
"Reed Smith demonstrated good technical understanding of the subject matter in disputes. The team was well balanced, from partner level down. It was well resourced and responsive."
Notable Practitioners
Andrew Taylor has extensive expertise in matters such as offshore contracts, charter party disputes and insurance issues. He counts owners and P&I clubs among his impressive client base.
Charles Weller has wide-ranging market expertise which includes enforcement actions and charter party claims spanning numerous locations across the world. He also represents a broad clientele, including lenders, ship builders and owners.
"He is wonderful to work with. He provides timely responses. His advice is well thought out and he is always willing to help."
Richard Gunn focuses his practice on casualties, and he often acts on issues such as collisions, groundings and salvage. He is experienced in acting for owners and insurers of vessels.
"He is a casualty expert and can handle dry shipping cases, too."
Nick Austin is particularly adept at advising on shipping disputes. His clients include traders, charterers and P&I clubs. Austin is known for his expertise in the Asian shipping markets.
"Nick is very knowledgeable, client-oriented and great to work with."
Stephen Kirkpatrick frequently assists insurers, charterers, ship owners and traders. He advises clients with regard to drafting contracts, casualties and charter party issues.
"Stephen is very knowledgeable, very helpful and the go-to person for to-the-point advice. It is always a pleasure to work with him."
Alex Andrews possesses extensive expertise in international mandates, including jurisdictions such as Korea and Oman. He regularly acts for ship owners in a range of disputes.
"He is dependable, thorough and a pleasure to work with."
Alexander Sandiforth works across both wet and dry shipping in contentious cases. He has extensive experience advising on arbitrations and early dispute management in the transportation of hard and soft commodities.
"He has great commercial awareness and legal aptitude. He is a rising star."
Sally-Ann Underhill regularly advises clients on an array of contentious shipping matters including charter party disputes and insurance claims. Her clients include traders and ship owners.
"She responds promptly and in a manner that deals with all of the commercial and legal issues properly."
Jeb Clulow is particularly adept in shipping, logistics, sale of goods, offshore and construction issues.
Thor Maalouf regularly advises clients on commercial shipping and maritime law matters. She showcases expertise in undertaking contentious work, particularly LMAA arbitration.
"Thor is very responsive and is strong in handling complicated matters."
Ranked Lawyers at
Reed Smith LLP
UK-wide