Department profile
Stephenson Harwood LLP

Shipping: International Firms

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : South Korea


Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood has one of the world’s leading shipping and offshore practices. We have advised our Korean clients on their key business decisions since the late 1970s.

We are consistently instructed by most of the major shipping and offshore companies, energy service companies, oil and gas businesses, shipyards, insurers, commodity companies, sponsors, lenders and private equity providers. 

We advise on services spanning:

  • Finance: senior, mezzanine and subordinated debt and covering corporate finance, ship and offshore finance, blended corporate and asset finance, export credit agency backed, leasing, project finance, limited recourse and derivatives
  • Corporate: mergers and acquisitions, capital raisings, debt for equity swaps, group reorganisations and restructurings, joint ventures, private equity investments and general corporate advice on a range of matters including regulatory compliance, equity incentives, competition issues and succession planning
  • Commercial: project tender processes, project documents, building contracts, pooling arrangements, conversion contracts, sale and purchase and charterparty agreements 
  • Disputes: risk mitigation, litigation, arbitration and mediation, international sanctions and arrests and enforcements
  • Restructuring: debt restructuring and refinancing, debt for equity swaps, schemes or arrangement, judicial management, chapter 11 and insolvency

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping: International Firms - South Korea

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Stephenson Harwood is a shipping law powerhouse known for its standout capabilities in such contentious shipping matters as contractual disputes, accident, shipbuilding and insurance claims within the South Korean market. It is able to advise on both wet and dry disputes and has additional expertise in shipping finance. The Seoul office serves clients across the region on South Korea-related onshore and offshore matters, collaborating closely with the Singapore office. The team's impressive client roster includes prominent domestic shipping companies and construction companies as well as international insurers.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood defended HJ shipbuilding & Construction on the USD32 million claim for alleged defects in welding works claimed by Seatrium.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Stephenson Harwood has a deep understanding of the decision-making processes and business practices of Korean companies.

    Shipping: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Stephenson is not only well-versed in legal theory, but also with a deep understanding of industry phenomena.

    Shipping: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Michael Kim
    Band 1Michael Kim

    Michael Kim

    Michael Kim is the managing partner of Stephenson Harwood's Seoul office. He acts for parties involved in charter party, shipbuilding and marine insurance disputes, in addition to advising on shipbuilding contracts, ship financing and investments.

    • He understands the problem well and quickly provides reasonable solutions.

      Shipping: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Michael is in the Korea office which allows for immediate access to his services. His response time is fast and demonstrates sharp commercial awareness and quick thinking.

      Shipping: International Firms respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 2Gregg Johnston
    Band 2Gregg Johnston

    Gregg Johnston

    Gregg Johnston is based in Singapore and is well placed to advise Korean shipping companies and lenders on financing transactions. He leverages nearly two decades of experience acting on offshore and shipping finance mandates.

Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (2)

South Korea

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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