Shipping
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 2
Contact number
(020) 7283 9033About
Provided by Hill Dickinson LLP
From dealing with everyday contracts to major incident emergency responses, our shipping and offshore specialists can help. With one of the largest maritime practices in the field, you can expect clear, commercial advice from experts you trust and who know the problems you face internationally.
We work across the whole of the maritime and offshore industries, advising ship owners, charterers, shipyards, P&I clubs, port and terminal operators, underwriters and traders, oil majors, commodity houses, insurers and reinsurers, offshore contractors and owners of FPSOs, platforms, rigs and other offshore craft and installations.
Specialist areas of expertise include:
- Casualty
- Bills of lading
- Cargo and logistics
- Charterparties
- Ports
- Shipyard and construction
- Passenger Shipping
- Personal Injury
Chambers Review
Hill Dickinson has specialist advisers who advise on a range of shipping issues. The firm is capable of handling wet and dry work, including salvage, casualties and the full range of trading disputes. It is highly regarded for its expertise in the superyachts area. The department acts for a variety of clients including owners, operators and P&I insurers, as well as cruise companies, financial institutions and trading companies.
Work Highlights
- Hill Dickinson advised FMG Sydney on various matters related to its vessel's collision with MSC Apollo.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm has a strong team for wet shipping work, with a combination of experienced lawyers and younger professionals who are enthusiastic and very sharp."
"It is a strong team concentrating both on the detail and the bigger commercial picture. It is a well-cultivated team, from trainees through to experienced partners."
"Hill Dickinson handled our case with exceptional care and with strategy at the forefront. They have a wide casualty team, and even the juniors are well trained and adept."
"They all work with high levels of proficiency and understand the issues at stake."
"The firm's service is perfect, precise and prompt. They display high commercial awareness."
"The firm has a strong team for wet shipping work, with a combination of experienced lawyers and younger professionals who are enthusiastic and very sharp."
"It is a strong team concentrating both on the detail and the bigger commercial picture. It is a well-cultivated team, from trainees through to experienced partners."
"Hill Dickinson handled our case with exceptional care and with strategy at the forefront. They have a wide casualty team, and even the juniors are well trained and adept."
"They all work with high levels of proficiency and understand the issues at stake."
"The firm's service is perfect, precise and prompt. They display high commercial awareness."
Notable Practitioners
David Pitlarge is a well-known shipping practitioner who is noted for his expertise in the Italian market. He advises on dry shipping and admiralty matters, often representing ship owners.
"David is very thorough and strong. He is collaborative and easy to work with."
"He has an excellent scope of legal knowledge, with the depth of experience needed for strategically complex cases."
"David is very sensible and understands the client's needs."
Martin Hall is recognised for his expertise in maritime law. He is noted for his knowledge of the Greek market and for his impressive track record of acting for underwriters.
"He is the perfect casualty lawyer."
"Martin is one of the most experienced salvage lawyers in London."
Stephen Mackin of Hill Dickinson is particularly proficient in matters pertaining to the carriage of oil, gas and LNG. He regularly acts for ship owners, cargo owners and insurers.
Mark Johnson offers expertise across a wide breadth of shipping issues such as sale and purchase, shipbuilding and FPSO platforms. He frequently acts for clients on large-value deals across multiple jurisdictions.
"He has very good client relationship management skills. He is ready and available to support when required and has a wide range of experiences and knowledge to utilise."
"He is highly skilled and responsive. He has very high expertise in handling shipping transactions."
Beth Bradley of Hill Dickinson has a notable dispute resolution practice within the shipping sector. She often advises ship owners, ship builders and P&I clubs.
Experienced attorney Ian Teare garners recognition and expertly handles complex wet litigation matters. He has particular expertise advising on claims in the Greek market.
"He is prompt, knowledgeable, commercial and simple in his advice and approach to dealing with cases."
"Ian is a solicitor with great experience in marine salvage. He also has a nautical background. He is commercially minded, meticulous and has good communication skills."
Ranked Lawyers at
Hill Dickinson LLP
UK-wide
Members
Provided by Hill Dickinson LLP
Alexander Bramwell
Beth Bradley
Colin Lavelle
Ian Teare
Jeff Park
Kevin Austin
Lewis Moore
Phil Haddon
Russell Gardner
Siiri Duddington
Tom Burdass
Tony Goldsmith