Ernest van Buuren

Practice Areas

Clients consider Ernest a trusted advisor – he stands out for his ability to apply technical knowledge and grasp key issues in the industry to provide commercial solutions.

Ernest has been appointed as a lawyer of choice by Australian and international clients including ship owners, freight forwarders, marine insurers, government agencies and "blue chips" companies in the offshore oil & gas, commodity and mining sectors to handle almost every type of shipping related matter.

With over 12 years of experience at sea and qualifications as a master mariner and a Masters of Law in Admiralty law (with distinction) from Tulane University, USA. Ernest also has significant experience representing clients in Supreme Court and Federal Court litigation as well as Australian and overseas arbitration.

Joining Clyde & Co in 2019, Ernest is a key member of the APAC marine team with strong experience in Australia, but also New Zealand, Fiji, The Philippines, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and French Polynesia.

Ernest is consistently recognised by Chambers and Partners, Best Lawyers and Asia Pacific Legal 500 as a leading shipping lawyer. He is listed in the 'Hall of Fame' in Transport (Shipping) by Legal 500 2024.