Department profile
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
Global Guide 2026 : China
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Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
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Work Highlights
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CMS represented BOC Financial Leasing in the lease financing of a newbuilding VLEC gas carrier for a Singapore-based shipping group.
CMS represented a cargo insurer in a subrogation recovery action concerning stolen electronics cargo on the US West Coast.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
They consistently provide clear and concise advice, always tailored to the client’s needs.
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobalThere 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: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobal
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 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 very practical.
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobalAndrew 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: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobal
Band 1 Band 1 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. He knows his way around the world of litigation.
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobalSteven is a magic partner in Hong Kong and the go-to guy for litigation matters in Hong Kong and English law dispute resolution.
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobal
Band 2 Band 2 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: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobalHe has deep industry experience and knowledge of the maritime sector. He is very responsive and very efficient.
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobal
Band 3 Band 3 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. Band 4 Band 4 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: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGlobal
Ranked Individuals at CMS (5)
China
Conor Warde
Shipping: Finance (International Firms)
View profile Andrew Horton
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
View profile Steven Wise
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
View profile Anthony Woo
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
View profile Richard Oakley
Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
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