Department profile
Birketts LLP

Shipping

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Birketts LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Birketts LLP

Our Shipping and International Trade Team provides specialist maritime and transport advice for shipowners, charterers, insurers, P&I Clubs and all those whose work arises out of the carriage of goods by sea.

The team has a wealth of experience of representing clients before the English High Court and in international arbitration, including LMAA, LCIA, ICC, GAFTA, FOSFA and CAMP proceedings. The team is multilingual and with its strong links with overseas lawyers, it regularly assists in disputes and arrest proceedings in other jurisdictions around the world.

Many of the team have ex-City shipping backgrounds. Because of our location we can provide a City service at non-London prices.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - UK-wide

Band 4

What the Team is Known For
Birketts handles a range of wet and dry shipping matters for large international clients including P&I clubs, owners and charterers. The firm works with clients on both contentious and non-contentious issues. It exhibits strength in acting before the courts and in arbitration proceedings. The team is also well regarded for its expertise in marine and shipping insurance.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Birketts was instructed by Bundaberg Brewed Drinks and BBD USA to pursue a claim for unjust enrichment against freight forwarders engaged by the clients who failed to use sums paid to them by the clients for shipping services.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They are very hands-on, and they are customer and solution minded without complicating the matter more than necessary.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • This law firm stands out for being fast and efficient, offering great value for the services provided.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • It is a very efficient team, very proactive, with reasonable rates.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • They strive to provide concise advice whenever possible and only charge for their services when they have made a substantial contribution to the workload.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • They always respond to clients' queries in a timely manner.

    Shipping respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Alex Davey
    Alex Davey

    Alex Davey

    Alex Davey is noted for his expertise in shipping disputes. He has a wealth of experience advising on charter party disputes and cargo claims. He regularly advises ship owners and charterers.

    • Alex is very experienced and always very helpful.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • He comes back with his opinion, which is a very enriching one. That's how we initiate things.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Daniel Crockford
    Daniel Crockford

    Daniel Crockford

    Daniel Crockford has notable expertise in insurance mandates, often acting for P&I clubs and ship owners.

    • Daniel is very good - very commercial but also kind and empathetic to his client.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • Daniel delivered excellent service to our clients with fast responses and professional advice.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Henry Adams
    Henry Adams

    Henry Adams

    Henry Adams is head of shipping and international trade at the firm and offers experience in marine insurance work, especially on the side of the insurers. He also advises on charter party disputes, general average and salvage claims.

    • Henry stands out for delivering high-quality service with great efficiency, making him stand out in handling cases.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • He finds solutions and manages to find nice outcomes to our claims.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • Henry will go the extra mile for you.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Alex Penberthy
    Alex Penberthy

    Alex Penberthy

    Alex Penberthy centres his practice on marine insurance matters. He has experience advising on marine litigation and accident investigations, in addition to expertise in personal injury cases.

    • Alex is very capable.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Nicholas Woo
    Nicholas Woo

    Nicholas Woo

    Nicholas Woo has particular expertise in dry shipping litigation. He is particularly adept at handling shipping matters concerning the Asian market.

    • Nick is always on the look out for relevant information for us and lets us know when he finds it. His advice is very thorough.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Sarah Holsgrove
    Sarah Holsgrove

    Sarah Holsgrove

    Senior associate Sarah Holsgrove has ample experience working on contentious matters such as charter party disputes for clients such as freight forwarders and logistics companies. She is also capable of handling arbitrations.

    • Sarah is very good - down to earth and exceptionally knowledgeable.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • Sarah is knowledgeable and hard-working.

      Shipping respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Birketts LLP (6)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Birketts LLP

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