Shelley Chapelski

Practice Areas

Shelley Chapelski's practice encompasses both transactional and litigation aspects of maritime law, including maritime contracts, torts, liability claims, creditor's remedies and marine insurance matters. She has been recognized by her clients and colleagues as one of the leading maritime lawyers in Canada.

Shelley drafts and advises on a wide array charter parties, contracts of carriage, moorage contracts, insurance policies and other agreements that arise in maritime and transportation law, including ice pilot (navigator) contracts. She has also advised many users and suppliers of marine services on their obligations and liabilities under Canadian maritime law, including on the carriage of dangerous goods and bunkering operations.

Shelley has handled hundreds of casualties, including collisions terminal damage cases, cargo losses, and pollution events. She has resolved many passenger injury and death claims, including ones subject to the Athens Convention. She has dealt with dozens of vessel arrests and many maritime liens and limitation of liability proceedings. Shelley is a frequent advisor to marine insurers on coverage matters. She also has a particular interest in Canadian Arctic shipping, having worked with a number of clients who operate in that region.

Shelley's clients include commercial vessel owners and operators, P&I Clubs and marine insurers, ports and terminals and maritime service providers.

She frequently meets with government representatives regarding the development of maritime law matters in Canada.

Shelley has represented clients in the provincial, supreme and appellate courts of British Columbia, Alberta and the Federal Court of Canada. She has also achieved numerous successful results for clients through mediation and arbitration.