Department profile
Howse Williams

Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

Greater China Region Guide 2026 : China

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Howse Williams

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About

Provided by Howse Williams

Our shipping practice specialises in maritime dispute resolution; mergers and acquisitions; competition and regulation and infrastructure.


Our shipping team handles a wide range of disputes both in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. The team (which includes solicitors with seagoing experience) has considerable experience in all types of wet and dry shipping litigation. We handle shipbuilding, sale and purchase, collision, salvage, wreck removal and pollution cases, as well as charterparty, bill of lading and other contract of affreightment disputes. We advise ship-owners, P&I Clubs, Hull and Machinery insurers, salvors, charterers and freight forwarders.The team has particular expertise in handling problems arising from the shipment of steel, coal, iron ore, nickel ore and fluorspar.


Our clients include charterers, shipowners and their insurers (P&I Clubs), cargo owners, freight forwarders, recovery agents, logistic companies, godowns, terminals, port authorities, commodity traders and their insurers and other organisations in the marine transport and insurance industries.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) - China

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Howse Williams has a notable shipping disputes team which acts in a variety of high-profile wet and dry cases. The firm is regularly mandated by P&I clubs, terminals, ship owners and charterers on collisions, wreck removal and pollution claims as well as sanction issues, charter party disputes and personal injury matters. The team is frequently instructed on litigation, mediation and arbitration proceedings. Clients also seek its expertise in advising on limitation of liability issues.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team is highly experienced, making it a trusted partner.

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Chris Howse
    Chris Howse

    Chris Howse

    Chris Howse is a founding partner of Howse Williams and is noted for his many years of experience in the sector. He offers clients a wealth of expertise in a wide range of disputes relating to sanctions, collisions and shipments.

    • He is available all the time and very approachable. He has a very deep understanding and experience of all aspects of the shipping industry.

      Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

    • Chris is a very experienced and savvy maritime lawyer.

      Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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  • David Coogans
    David Coogans

    David Coogans

    David Coogans is a seasoned practitioner who advises on an array of wet and dry shipping mandates. He is regularly mandated by clients to assist with collision, sanction and pollution claims, as well as charter party and insurance disputes.

    • He is a very experienced and capable maritime lawyer.

      Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region

    • David is our go-to person for day-to-day complex issues.

      Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) respondentGreater China Region
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  • William Leung
    William Leung

    William Leung

    William Leung handles various contentious mandates and is particularly skilled in matters concerning bills of lading and logistics, as well as cargo claims.
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Ranked Individuals at Howse Williams (3)

China

  • Profile image of Chris Howse

    Chris Howse

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of David Coogans

    David Coogans

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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  • Profile image of William Leung

    William Leung

    Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

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Members

Provided by Howse Williams

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