Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)
Greater China Region Guide 2025 : China
Band 2
Chambers Review
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.
Work Highlights
- CMS assisted a cargo insurer with a subrogated recovery action in an electronics cargo theft case.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Commercial awareness is indispensable for shipping lawyers, and those at CMS have it in abundance."
"CMS has highly skilled, commercially aware shipping, trade and insurance litigation experts with a global support structure."
"Commercial awareness is indispensable for shipping lawyers, and those at CMS have it in abundance."
"CMS has highly skilled, commercially aware shipping, trade and insurance litigation experts with a global support structure."
Notable Practitioners
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 a world-class legal practitioner with a commercial attitude that provides the best results for clients. Tenacious and practical, with a wealth of knowledge and experience - the real deal."
"Andrew is a first-rate practitioner, intelligent and focused on results."
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 first-rate practitioner. He is intellectual but has a very commercial mindset from the outset. He achieves excellent outcomes in a difficult environment."
"Steven is unflappable and focused. A quiet and calm demeanour surrounds a steely and expert legal core."
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.
"Conor explains things really well to clients and is able to manage expectations. He is also transparent and open."
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.
"Anthony is a good lawyer with a very calm approach."
Ranked Lawyers at
CMS
China
Members
Provided by CMS
Head of Department
Elliot Woodruff
Richard Oakley
Head of Department