Shipping

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, such as Swire Shipping, Journey Beyond and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, 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.

"HFW's capability to handle complex and sophisticated matters is second-to-none. They are truly a one-stop shop firm, with all the necessary expertise in one firm."

"HFW's personnel have a wide range of skills and in-depth knowledge of their subject matter. Service levels are excellent."

HFW acted for The Shipowners' Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association in a personal injury claim brought by a passenger injured on board a cruise in the Port of Melbourne before the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Robert Springall is a consultant in Melbourne and enjoys a strong reputation in the shipping market. He handles a range of contentious shipping issues, including charter party and bill of lading disputes and questions of alleged pollution. He is particularly well known for his handling of hull insurance matters.

Gavin Vallely in Melbourne heads the 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 Vallely is up there with the best and has always provided top legal advice, while remaining very commercial. He is able to handle the most complex arrest proceedings and litigation." "Gavin is an expert in his field and always great to deal with."

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. "He's been doing some really great work on some arrest cases; he's very good."

Simon Shaddick has an impressive practice which encompasses wide range of shipping and maritime law cases. He is frequently sought to advise insurers, logistics service providers and ship managers, among many others. Shaddick has in-depth experience of offshore issues such as FPSO decommissioning. "Simon Shaddick demonstrates a deep perception of the issues." "Simon never fails to provide excellent legal advice and has saved the day on a number of occasions. He is my go-to lawyer for complex and contentious arrests."