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HFW

Shipping

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia

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HFW

Rankings

About

Provided by HFW

HFW is renowned as a global leader in all aspects of shipping and transport work. Our Australian shipping team is distinguished by its depth and the quality of our lawyers, who have many years of experience working in a variety of jurisdictions on a wide range of large and complex matters. Our expertise extends to the offshore energy sector where we advise on a range of contentious and non-contentious matters involving drilling rigs/ships, FPSOs, FLNG units and support vessels, as well as contracts for the chartering of specialist oil and LNG transport vessels and carriage of specialist cargoes.

Industries (7)

  • Energy
  • Maritime
  • Insurance
  • Shipping
  • Offshore
  • Commodities
  • Transport

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - Australia

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

HFW's comprehensive Australia-wide coverage includes transactional and contentious shipping matters for all major sector players, as well as large-scale commodities exporters in the energy and resources and agriculture industries. Its shipping team works with a broad range of clients, including ship owners, insurers, financial institutions and shipyards and provides a comprehensive offering in the offshore energy sector. Its clients benefit from the team's membership of one of the world's largest international maritime practices.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW acted for Grimaldi Lines in relation to an investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority of the tragic death of a crewmember of the RoRo vessel and subsequent criminal proceedings issued against the vessel's owners under the Navigation Act.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW's expertise and advice are unsurpassed when it comes to shipping related matters.

    Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

  • HFW are the best maritime law firm in Australia. They are highly professional and provide outstanding knowledge.

    Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The lawyers at HFW have a forensic attention to detail and determination to achieve the client's objective.

    Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

  • The team are responsive, professional and thorough.

    Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

  • They provide an efficient service, are easy to communicate with, give well-written advice and have an ability to explain complex legal terms and strategy to non-legal backgrounds.

    Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gavin Vallely
    Gavin Vallely

    Gavin Vallely

    Gavin Vallely in Melbourne heads the firm's shipping, offshore and logistics practice. His expertise covers the full range of wet and dry litigation as well as non-contentious matters, including cargo disputes and investigations. His practice incorporates particularly extensive experience in the handling of cross-border issues, including arbitration.

    • Gavin Valley is the best around.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Gavin is exceptional at what he does and makes it very easy to work with what are sometimes complex matters.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Maurice Thompson
    Maurice Thompson

    Maurice Thompson

    Maurice Thompson brings nearly 30 years' experience in the shipping space. His practice covers the full spectrum of shipping matters, with particularly notable expertise in advising on high-stakes disputes and the operation of offshore oil and gas facilities. He is based in is Melbourne.

    • There would be few lawyers globally that could match his mix of academic brilliance, commercial acumen and ability to simplify complex advice for consumption.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Maurice Thompson oozes a steely confidence and iron resolve.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

    • He is approachable, responsive and his advice is easy to digest. He is well experienced in the sector and knows the ropes.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Maurice applies a forensic attention to detail, has vast experience and will fight for your cause like it is his own.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Stephen Thompson
    Stephen Thompson

    Stephen Thompson

    Stephen Thompson in Sydney acts on both commercial and contentious matters, being particularly well known for his handling of commodities-related issues and matters affecting the operators of cruise lines.

    • Stephen is really helpful and really in the loop of trends and laws. He is my go-to for advice in Australia.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Stephen is really well connected and personable.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Elizabeth Sloane
    Elizabeth Sloane

    Elizabeth Sloane

    Elizabeth Sloane has earned praise from market commentators for her shipping litigation practice. She regularly advises on disputes arising from loss of cargo, pollution and casualties.

    • Elizabeth Sloane is fantastic.

      Shipping respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at HFW (4)

Australia

Members

Provided by HFW

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