Shipping & Commodities | UK Bar

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 SMIT Salvage BV et al v Luster Maritime SA et al in a salvage claim arising from the Suez Canal grounding of the Ever Given, which made international news for blocking the canal. The set is particularly recognised for its capabilities in insurance coverage disputes, fraud-related cases and loss of cargo claims. An interviewee notes: "7 King's Bench Walk has an incredible breadth and depth of talent. Members are friendly, professional and have a commercial edge," while another adds: "7KBW have shown an ability to handle and understand unusually complicated cases."

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 work for The X-press Pearl, representing the owners in Admiralty Court limitation action proceedings against salvors in respect of a claim arising out of a container ship fire. Sources say the set has "experienced barristers with a number at the top of the tree". Another interviewee noting the set is "by far the largest shipping-focused chambers with a large number of excellent barristers".

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 Omni v Samancor, in a SIAC arbitration dispute relating to a sale contract for the sale and purchase of manganese ores. 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 having "deep sector expertise and an incredible bench strength" and a client notes: "Twenty Essex is filled with outstanding subject matter experts in shipping and commodities."

Arron Zitver, Christopher Theobald and Anthony Carroll are practice directors at the set.

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 a collision between VL Nichioh and the Shandong Zheng Tong which raises issues as to the application of crossing rules and apportionment. One source remarks that "36 Stone is an excellent shipping set with highly diligent members and great clerks", with another interviewee adding they would "rate the service levels and responsiveness of 36 Stone as outstanding".

Reiss Nott is the senior clerk.

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 Palmali v Litasco, a long-running Commercial

Court claim by a Turkish shipping company against Litasco for the breach of a long-term contract of affreightment raising issues of Swiss, Russian and Maltese law. Interviewees highlight the set as offering "extensive hands-on experience in the shipping industry" and as having a team of "excellent barristers throughout the seniority range, who also have a good grasp of commercial realities".

Carl Wall and Stewart Gibbs are the senior clerks.

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 Tilawa, a dispute concerning the recovery of a cargo of silver from the wreck of a vessel sunk by enemy action in the Indian Ocean in 1942. Interviewees praise the set's barristers, one saying they are "bright and analytical and can interrogate the facts and the law to approach new angles", and another notes the set's "high quality, responsive and collegiate" approach.

Joe Ferrigno is head clerk at the set.