Department profile
HFW

Shipping: Litigation

Global Guide 2026 : Asia-Pacific Region

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HFW

About

Provided by HFW

We are widely recognised as the best maritime law firm in the world and constantly strive to be at the forefront of the shipping sector. We have evolved with our clients, keeping the world moving from the beginning of the supply chain to the end. 

We operate in the world’s key shipping hubs, enabling us to provide a streamlined, global service when our clients need us most, whether helping them to negotiate deals, solve disputes or comply with the increasingly complex regulations affecting them. We’re fast to act, first on the scene, frontline problem solvers. And, having honed a truly collaborative approach to client service, our contribution goes beyond the norm for a law firm.

Our firm is one of the only in the Asia Pacific region to be able to offer clients in the shipping sector a full-service offering- we have strong capabilities in: admiralty and crisis management, complex matters, ship finance, offshore oil and gas and ship construction.

Industries (6)

  • Banks
  • Energy
  • Financial Services
  • Insurance
  • Transportation
  • Travel & Leisure

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping: Litigation - Asia-Pacific Region

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

HFW has a superb shipping law disputes practice with outstanding capabilities across China, Singapore and Australia. It is particularly astute in handling casualty response across its offices, as well as charter party, bill of lading, environmental and offshore vessel disputes. Frequently, the firm is instructed by leading maritime clients, including ship owners and P&I clubs, on insurance claims. It is well placed to assist with major shipping incidents involving cargo damage, marine casualties and personal injury claims.

Notable practitioners

Key points of contact for the firm are Gavin Vallely in Melbourne, George Lamplough in Hong Kong and Toby Stephens in Singapore.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • HFW assisted BW Offshore Group with the financing of an FPSO to be engineered and constructed for use at the Barossa gas field offshore Australia.

  • 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 have specialised lawyers with deep knowledge in shipping, banking and finance. This ensures that their clients receive expert advice and representation tailored to their specific needs.

    Shipping: Litigation respondentGlobal

  • HFW is the best maritime law firm in Australia. It is highly professional and provides outstanding knowledge.

    Shipping: Litigation respondentGlobal

Members

Provided by HFW

  • Peter Murphy

  • George Lamplough

  • Patrick Yeung

  • Henry Dunlop

  • John Forrester

  • Nicholas Poynder

    Head of Department

  • Henry Fung

  • Gavin Vallely

    Head of Department

  • Patrick Cheung

HFW has rankings in the following guides

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