Shipping & Commodities

4 Pump Court is an excellent set, home to members who exhibit strong capabilities in both wet and dry shipping disputes. The chambers provides a wealth of expertise in shipbuilding, cargo claims and sanctions, regularly advising on overseas jurisdictions. Members counsel clients in Mainland China and Hong Kong on marine and construction work. The set's work highlights include acting in Havila v Hijos de J Barreras, a shipbuilding dispute concerning the financing of a project for the construction of two LNG-powered ferries. Interviewees highlight the set as offering "a specialist team with some of the best barristers in the area of shipping," as well as being a "great set of chambers that is easy to deal with."

"The clerks are very approachable and responsive."

"The clerks are responsive and helpful."

Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are senior clerks.

Sean O'Sullivan KC
Sean O'Sullivan KC is a highly commended barrister with expertise in dry shipping matters including demurrage, charter party and sale of goods disputes. He stands out for his deft handling of shipbuilding disputes in litigation and arbitration. "Sean is a very commercial and skilled advocate, who is sharp on the detail and works incredibly hard." "He is very user-friendly, approachable, down-to-earth and attentive." "Sean is a very strong advocate who has a good grasp of all the details and issues in dispute."

Andrew Stevens
Andrew Stevens is a respected junior in demand for his capabilities in international shipping arbitrations. He possesses additional expertise acting in superyacht cases. "Andrew will get stuck into the detail and provide first-rate legal and commercial advice." "He can always come up with unique and practical solutions based on his profound understanding of the law in shipping." "Andrew is very precise, very careful, has good drafting skills and is user-friendly."

James Watthey
James Watthey has a recognised capacity in both wet and dry shipping matters. He is particularly notable for his work in superyacht disputes and his close relationships with shipping lines, P&I clubs and overseas clients. He is also increasingly active in commodities disputes. "He provides very thorough, insightful advice and is very user-friendly." "James has immense knowledge of the marine industry." "James is strong across the board. He is responsive and good on his feet."

Nick Vineall KC
Nick Vineall KC is often highlighted for his technical acumen. He has particular experience in offshore construction and shipbuilding disputes. He has recently been involved in a growing number of arbitration appeals. "He's very friendly, helpful and gets his head around complex and technical issues very quickly." "Nick is a very impressive silk." "He is very experienced and knows how to present in a way that others appreciate."

Alexander Wright KC
Alexander Wright KC is an outstanding silk with a dynamic practice covering matters such as charter party, contract of affreightment and international carriage of goods disputes. He is also instructed in complex shipbuilding disputes and a range of wet shipping matters. He maintains an impressive practice in China, acting for shipyards. "He is very user-friendly, approachable, down-to-earth and attentive." "Alexander is very meticulous, careful and thoughtful." "He offers great advice and has an excellent work ethic."

Ed Jones
Ed Jones is a well-regarded junior who is sought out by shipping firms for salvage and frustration cases. He is experienced in representing clients in both the Admiralty and Commercial Courts, and frequently appears as sole counsel. "Ed is excellent at processing information and providing clear and commercial legal advice." "His written work is brilliant and he turns it around very quickly." "Ed is really hard-working and his advocacy is very impressive."

James Leabeater KC
James Leabeater KC is an excellent silk with notable capability across dry shipping, shipbuilding and offshore construction disputes. He regularly appears in both the Commercial Court and arbitration forums. His caseload concerns a diverse selection of matters including shipbuilding, charter parties and cargo contamination. "He is a steady pair of hands, is very reliable and very easy to deal with." "What makes him stand out is that he is a very good cross-examiner." "James has strong commercial skills and is good with clients."

Nigel Tozzi KC
Nigel Tozzi KC is a respected commercial shipping barrister who acts as both an advocate and arbitrator. He handles a variety of matters including ship conversion and repair, shipbuilding and ship sale disputes. He has a substantial knowledge of refund guarantees and related issues. "Nigel is a very able advocate. He is very strong, user-friendly and cooperative."

Rani Noakes
Rani Noakes is an adroit junior noted for her expertise in shipping and commodities matters. She regularly acts in complex arbitrations and court proceedings, frequently as sole counsel. She has experience handling charter party and bill of lading disputes along with a plethora of wet shipping and shipbuilding concerns. "Rani is easy to deal with, handles complex situations, and is very bright and very pragmatic." "Rani's written submissions are really good and she is growing a strong reputation." "Her written work is good and she is very pleasant to deal with."

Robert Scrivener
Robert Scrivener is a notable junior with a practice that spans multiple jurisdictions. He is acts on a range of matters in the shipping industry such as vessel construction issues, charter party disputes and FPSO arbitrations. "Robert is very thorough, detail-oriented and has a fast response time." "He puts in a huge amount of time and effort, is a real team player and really gets stuck into the technical detail." "Robert is a fantastic junior."

Thomas Steward
Thomas Steward has an expansive practice that includes instructions relating to shipbuilding, charter parties and cargo disputes. He handles both wet and dry matters, as well as cases concerning international trade issues. In addition to being an effective litigator, he regularly appears in arbitration proceedings. "Thomas is a fantastic barrister. He is incredibly hard-working and extremely clever." "I am impressed with his dedication and the speed with which he gets to grips with the detail." "He is very good on the shipping side."