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.

"When we have had issues with changes of legislation, HFW has been able to call upon the relevant expertise within the firm elsewhere."

"HFW has a strong team including the best experts plus it is great at the development of younger people."

HFW acted for plaintiffs and claimants in a class action brought by members of the Australian fisheries sector against the Australian Government following serious and prolonged biosecurity breaches by the Government in its biosecurity testing of containerised frozen prawn cargoes imported into Australia by sea.

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 is one of the most experienced and capable shipping lawyers in the country."

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. "Maurice provides the ultimate mix of legal excellence, deep industry knowledge, commerciality and outside the box thinking."

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.

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.