UK Bar London (Bar) Shipping & Commodities

7 King's Bench Walk is an outstanding chambers that offers first-rate expertise in shipping and commodities. Members of 7 King's Bench Walk have appeared at all levels of court in many recent, high-profile shipping cases, including YieldStreet v QBE,a high-value fraud claim involving vessels sold for scrap. The set is particularly recognised for its capabilities in insurance coverage disputes, fraud-related cases and loss of cargo claims. An interviewee notes: "7KBW is capable of quickly providing clear and concise advice to complicated matters," while another adds: "It is a go-to set for shipping disputes."

A market-leading set, Quadrant Chambers continues to excel, offering a raft of stellar silks and high-calibre juniors who exhibit strong sector expertise in both dry and wet shipping matters as well as significant commodities disputes. Members regularly appear in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in the highest-profile cases, often with far-reaching implications. Recent instructions include NKD Maritime v Bart Maritime, a seven-day Commercial Court trial concerning a ship sale contract, under which the buyers claimed that the COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Indian government constituted a restraint of governments. Sources say: "Quadrant has an excellent depth and is home to many of the leading barristers in shipping and commodities."

Twenty Essex is a standout set offering impressive expertise in shipping and commodities. The set is renowned for its exceptional shipping litigation practice and represents clients at all levels of court and in arbitration. The chambers exhibits extensive experience in claims stemming from shipbuilding, charter parties and bills of lading. Members are also adept at handling disputes relating to ship arrests, cargo damage and collisions. Work highlights for the year include Trafigura v Clearlake Shipping, a case concerning the application for a mandatory injunction, compelling the defendant to provide security to enable the release of a vessel. Clients enjoy working with the set as a result of its unique combination of expertise in energy, environmental and maritime law. The set is noted by interviewees as being "top tier" and "renowned as a leading shipping and commodities set, boasting an impressive contingent of world-class silks and excellent juniors."

36 Stone is commended for its members' expertise across significant commodities and shipping disputes. International trade is a particular area of competence for many counsel, who frequently act in overseas jurisdictions. Tenants have recently handled significant cases, such as the collision between 'VL Nichioh' and 'Shandong Zheng Tong'. One source remarks that the set is "brilliant, and effective at managing time and expectations." Another says they have a "good ability to grasp facts quickly and give commercial advice."

4 Pump Court is an excellent set, home to members who exhibit strong capabilities in both wet and dry shipping disputes. The chambers provides a wealth of expertise in shipbuilding, cargo claims and sanctions, regularly advising on overseas jurisdictions. Members counsel clients in Mainland China and Hong Kong on marine and construction work. The set's work highlights include acting in Havila v Hijos de J Barreras, a shipbuilding dispute concerning the financing of a project for the construction of two LNG-powered ferries. Interviewees highlight the set as offering "a specialist team with some of the best barristers in the area of shipping," as well as being a "great set of chambers that is easy to deal with."

Adept across wet and dry shipping matters, members of Essex Court Chambers are regularly sought out by shipbuilders, ship owners, shipyards and insurers for their expert knowledge. Its tenants have acted in high-profile court cases, including BP Oil v Glencore Energy. A source comments they have "first-class appreciation of the law and jurisdictional issues, and know what matters to the client."