Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS, Shipping | Chambers Europe Profile

About

Provided by Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS

We are internationally recognised as a leading law firm within the shipping and offshore sector, with a global presence through our offices in Norway, London, Singapore and Shanghai. Undoubtedly a market leader within our field, we offer comprehensive legal services and solutions tailored to the needs of the maritime industry.

Our maritime team's strength lies in the unique combination of industry knowledge, coupled with our Norwegian and English legal capability across our offices. With lawyers in several of the world's largest and most active shipping and offshore clusters, we are uniquely positioned to handle large cross-border shipping and offshore projects, as well as international dispute resolution.

In shipping, our practice is among the world's largest and most renowned, with a long-standing client base that includes major shipowners, charterers, P&I and FD&D insurers, banks, finance houses, investment funds, PE, shipyards, and brokers. Our specialist team offers expertise covering all areas of maritime law, including admiralty and crisis management, dry shipping, and transactional work. We also provide ongoing advice related to the industry's complex regulatory landscape, including "green shipping", recycling, decarbonisation, autonomous maritime operations, and new ocean industries.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Shipping - Norway

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Wikborg Rein is a renowned powerhouse that showcases strength across many areas of shipping law, with a particularly strong reputation for handling wet shipping matters. Its emergency response team wins instructions from insurers to assist with the earliest stages of shipping casualties, while the litigation team handles subsequent cargo, salvage or wreck removal claims. The law firm also advises on the negotiation of commercial contracts for the offshore oil and gas sector, and assists with any subsequent disputes arising under the same. It further acts for major Norwegian offshore companies on the restructuring of their corporate debt. The team is also strong in cross-border matters due to a notable international network.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma AS

Wikborg Rein advised Solstad Offshore on the sale of its PSV fleet of 37 vessels to Tidewater.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"Wikborg Rein has long been Norway's leading maritime law firm and has the size and varied competencies to handle any type of maritime matter, ranging from complex litigation and large casualties to high-profile transactions. No other firm in Norway provides a similar breadth of maritime legal services. The lawyers work seamlessly across its offices, with the London office being a particularly helpful addition."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"The lawyers are practical in approach and pragmatic about issues."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"Wikborg Rein not only provides legal feedback but also looks into the technical aspects, with an ability to adopt the mindset of owners or insurers."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"It is a very good maritime law team that is always available and offers quick responses."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"Wikborg Rein has lots of experience and a team of very hands-on and forthcoming lawyers. It is strong in both wet and dry cases."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"The lawyers are practical in approach and pragmatic about issues."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"Wikborg Rein not only provides legal feedback but also looks into the technical aspects, with an ability to adopt the mindset of owners or insurers."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"It is a very good maritime law team that is always available and offers quick responses."

Shipping respondent
Europe

"Wikborg Rein has lots of experience and a team of very hands-on and forthcoming lawyers. It is strong in both wet and dry cases."

Shipping respondent
Europe

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Morten Lund Mathisen

Senior Statespeople

Morten Lund Mathisen is best known for assisting with investigations into major casualties in the offshore and shipping sectors, and also handles wreck removal cases.

"Morten Lund Mathisen is a firm and solid partner in complex casualty situations."

"He is a truly international lawyer with a unique standing in casualty and wreck removal work. We appreciate his problem-solving ability. His standing in the market is incredibly high, and he is respected by clients and opponents alike."

"Morten is a true resource and very adaptable to teamwork."

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Anders W Færden

Band 2

Head of the law firm's global insurance group from Oslo, Anders Færden assists international marine insurers with high-value cases. He acts for hull insurers on total loss claims under marine insurance policies.

"Anders has a very broad understanding of insurance matters, with specialist knowledge in hull insurance. He always provides useful advice."

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Øyvind Axe

Band 2

Bergen-based Øyvind Axe has a wide commercial shipping practice. He attracts particular attention for his work on M&A transactions for companies active in the shipping and offshore oil and gas sectors.

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Herman Steen

Band 3

Herman Steen advises insurers and their insured ship owners on litigation arising from collisions or other accidents at sea. He is head of the law firm's shipping and offshore disputes practice.

"He shows incredible attention to detail."

"Herman Steen is a very good lawyer."

"Herman is the go-to lawyer for all marine insurance matters."

"He is a superb lawyer and the only port of call necessary when it comes to marine casualties."

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Oddbjørn Slinning

Band 3

Oddbjørn Slinning advises on charter party disputes as well as damages and insurance claims. He is also experienced in non-contentious matters relating to transactions.

"Oddbjørn is great at smoothing difficult situations."

"Oddbjørn Slinning is a very good maritime and litigation lawyer."

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Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen

Up and Coming

Active in both the corporate and finance areas, Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen offers experience in refinancing and restructuring matters, as well as charter contracts and vessel sales.

"Andreas Fjærvoll-Larsen always has time and serves his client in the best possible way."

"He has broad experience within corporate finance and shipping law matters, and an in-depth knowledge of the shipping and offshore industry."

"Andreas is responsive and actively involved in all matters."

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