Shipping: Litigation (International Firms) | Greater China Region

Reed Smith has a comprehensive shipping practice that is well regarded in the market for its expertise in all facets of shipping finance and litigation. Its impressive disputes practice covers cargo claims and charter party disputes, regularly acting for ship owners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs as well as cargo owners. Reed Smith is a respected choice for contentious wet shipping matters, including casualties, collisions and wreck removal. The firm continues to handle complex financings for shipping companies and lessors. The team's mandates include the sale and purchase of ships, leasings and restructuring mandates. Clients include Pertamina and CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company.

Stephenson Harwood has a leading ship finance team, well reputed for its expertise in a range of transactions. The firm frequently services prominent banks and leasing companies through its offices in Hong Kong and Mainland China, particularly on complex sale and leaseback transactions, syndicated and asset-backed loans and contracts of affreightment. On the litigation side, the team is highly sought after for cargo and contract disputes, and bill of lading and restructuring cases. Stephenson Harwood is regularly instructed by insurance companies, P&I clubs, shipping companies and financial institutions as well as offshore institutions looking for full-service shipping advice.

DLA Piper has a well-established contentious practice and is instructed by shipyards, ship owners, financial institutions and insurers in a wide range of shipping mandates. The team handles litigation and international arbitration proceedings relating to cargo, insurance and shipbuilding disputes, as well as charter party claims. It is regularly mandated by clients to assist with disputes relating to payment, share arrangement and contractual default during trade. DLA Piper counts on resources across its Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai bases.

Howse Williams has a notable shipping disputes team which acts on a variety of high-profile wet and dry cases. The firm is regularly mandated by P&I clubs, terminals, ship owners and charterers on collisions, wreck removal and pollution claims as well as sanction issues, charter party disputes and personal injury matters. The team is frequently instructed on litigation, mediation and arbitration proceedings. Clients also seek its expertise in advising on limitation of liability issues.