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Stephenson Harwood LLP

Shipping

UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide

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Stephenson Harwood LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood is recognised as having one of the world’s leading shipping practices. With offices in key trading hubs we offer comprehensive, specialist shipping advice with a reputation for strength in depth and a strong commercial focus.

Stephenson Harwood’s lawyers are market leading and uniquely specialist in ship finance, marine insurance, maritime litigation and arbitration, corporate and tax services. Whether you’re a major ship finance bank, the world’s largest shipping or offshore company, marine insurer, IG P&I club or the world’s leading shipyard, our team has the specialist experience to understand your business needs and the capacity to deliver the service you require.

From our offices in Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Piraeus, Singapore and Seoul, we routinely act in high-profile disputes involving complex legal and commercial problems throughout the world. With our long track record of representing best in class maritime companies all over the world, you can be sure of the highest quality of service every time.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - UK-wide

Band 2

What the Team is Known For
Stephenson Harwood has a highly thought-of shipping practice that works across the full breadth of shipping matters. The firm has a particular focus on shipbuilding and charter party disputes. In addition, the team is noted for its experience in the offshore sector as well as its ship finance expertise. The team also handles FPSO disputes and casualty matters.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • They have a quick turnaround and knowledge, and they deliver easy-to-understand advice.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • The lawyers really prioritise clients' individual needs and always make themselves available to talk through issues in a plain-speaking manner and keep focused on clients' preferred outcomes.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • The breadth of their sector experience and their commercial, can-do attitude set the team apart.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • Stephenson Harwood have the ability to grasp the nature of the dispute at a very good speed.

    Shipping respondentUK

  • Everything is handled professionally and quickly. The breadth of knowledge and experience of all aspects of the marine industry is incredible.

    Shipping respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Nick Austin
    Nick Austin

    Nick Austin

    Nick Austin is particularly adept at advising on shipping disputes. His clients include traders, charterers and P&I clubs. Austin is known for his expertise in the Asian shipping markets.

    • Nick has a high standard of service, professionalism, knowledge of the sector and approachability.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • Nick is excellent and has deep knowledge of shipping with good commercial sense.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Stuart Beadnall
    Stuart Beadnall

    Stuart Beadnall

    Stuart Beadnall is widely regarded for his expertise in shipbuilding. He is additionally noted for his offshore oil and gas and LNG practice, with particular expertise in FPSO matters. Beadnall has experience in numerous international markets, including Korea and Norway.
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  • Alex Davis
    Alex Davis

    Alex Davis

    Alex Davis leads the firm's marine and international trade practice. He specialises in marine insurance matters, advising on a range of insurance matters including complex cargo claims.
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  • Joseph O'Keeffe
    Joseph O'Keeffe

    Joseph O'Keeffe

    Joseph O'Keeffe is well recognised for his specialism in marine insurance matters and regularly acts for insurers.
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  • Sean Gibbons
    Sean Gibbons

    Sean Gibbons

    Sean Gibbons frequently handles contractual shipping disputes and also acts for yacht brokerages. He has notable strength in shipbuilding matters and has a client base that spans ship owners, shipyards and banks.

    • Sean has a very strong ability to coordinate a large team working on a multifaceted, complex litigation, while maintaining exceptional levels of response to client emails.

      Shipping respondentUK
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  • Kirsty MacHardy
    Kirsty MacHardy

    Kirsty MacHardy

    Kirsty MacHardy is head of transportation and trade at Stephenson Harwood. She counts ship builders, owners and charterers among her clients. She is equipped to advise on non-contentious shipping matters as well as shipping disputes.

    • Kirsty's advice is always quick, well considered and written without making it complicated, which makes it easy for any department involved to understand.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • You are always in very safe hands with Kirsty. She delivers technically excellent advice with a thorough understanding of the client's commercial objectives and sensitivities.

      Shipping respondentUK

    • Kirsty MacHardy is very knowledgeable and commercially minded, and knows the ship management industry well.

      Shipping respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Stephenson Harwood LLP (6)

UK-wide

Members

Provided by Stephenson Harwood LLP

Stephenson Harwood LLP has rankings in the following guides

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