Department profile
CMS

Shipping: Finance (International Firms)

Greater China Region Guide 2026 : China

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CMS

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Shipping: Finance (International Firms) - China

Band 3

What the Team is Known For
CMS has a high-calibre team in the shipping field, which is well regarded for its shipping litigation practice. The firm is noted for its particular strength in damages and cargo disputes. The team advises clients on the contentious shipping issues arising out of transactions and restructuring procedures. CMS is further noted for its expertise in sale and leaseback transactions. The group handles work for ship owners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs, and financial leasing companies.
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Work Highlights

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  • CMS represented a cargo insurer in a subrogation recovery action concerning stolen electronics cargo on the US West Coast.

  • CMS represented BOC Financial Leasing in the lease financing of a newbuilding VLEC gas carrier for a Singapore-based shipping group.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They consistently provide clear and concise advice, always tailored to the client’s needs.

    Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

  • There is a genuine interest in the matter and an eagerness to follow up on the case and provide updates. They are easy to talk to and easy to seek advice from.

    Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Notable Practitioners

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  • Andrew Horton
    Andrew Horton

    Andrew Horton

    Andrew Horton operates a market-leading shipping litigation practice and is frequently instructed on disputes relating to cargo damage, collision and ship arrests. He remains a popular choice among many insurers.

    • Andrew is more than a court lawyer; he’s a problem-solver. He’s someone who’s always looking for opportunities and is very driven. He can turn his hand to anything and really thinks outside the box.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

    • Andrew is very practical.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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  • Steven Wise
    Steven Wise

    Steven Wise

    Steven Wise stands out for his in-depth knowledge in litigation and arbitration concerning insurance matters, shipbuilding disputes and charter party claims. He is highly sought after by shipping and transportation companies, charterers and P&I clubs.

    • Steven is a magic partner in Hong Kong and the go-to guy for litigation matters in Hong Kong and English law dispute resolution.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

    • He knows his way around the world of litigation.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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  • Conor Warde
    Conor Warde

    Conor Warde

    Conor Warde is highly regarded by market commentators for his strong shipping finance practice. He offers his expertise to financial leasing houses, shipping companies and ship owners in sale and leaseback deals, sale and purchase of ships, restructuring and refinancing issues.

    • He has a deep understanding of complex cross-border transactions and the ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional legal frameworks with precision and speed.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

    • He has deep industry experience and knowledge of the maritime sector. He is very responsive and very efficient.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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  • Anthony Woo
    Anthony Woo

    Anthony Woo

    Anthony Woo is a well-established lawyer who offers substantial knowledge in contentious matters in the shipping sector. He is regularly mandated by insurers and ship managers to assist with salvage operations, investigations and disputes arising out of ship casualties, such as fires and explosions.
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  • Richard Oakley
    Richard Oakley

    Richard Oakley

    Richard Oakley is a partner at the firm and a master mariner, recognised for his expertise in wet work. He advises shipowners and insurers on a broad range of admiralty matters, including casualties.

    • He is very familiar with all the technology now pervading shipping so we consider him to be very technology-literate which is important when dealing with collision cases.

      Shipping: Finance (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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Ranked Individuals at CMS (5)

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