Global China Shipping: Litigation (International Firms)

CMS has a high-calibre team in the shipping field, which is well regarded for its shipping litigation practice. The firm is noted for its particular strength in damages and cargo disputes. The team advises clients on the contentious shipping issues arising out of transactions and restructuring procedures. CMS is further noted for its growing expertise in sale and leaseback transactions. The group handles work for ship owners, charterers, insurers and P&I clubs, and financial leasing companies.

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. 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. Its impressive disputes practice covers cargo claims and charterparty 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 salvage.

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. Its client roster includes Everbright Fortune International Leasing, Guodian Shipping (Hong Kong) and The People's Insurance Co of China (Hong Kong).

Clyde & Co boasts an established international shipping practice with a solid reputation for handling shipping disputes. The group leverages an experienced team of lawyers throughout Hong Kong and Mainland China. The team frequently handles significant cargo, reparation and insurance claims arising out of ship collisions and casualties as well as salvage operations and investigations. The firm is regularly entrusted by leading P&I clubs, charterers, leasing companies and ship owners, and advises clients from its Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices to give comprehensive Greater China coverage.

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 collision incidents. The group also handles matters such as charterparty and bill of lading disputes. 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.

Norton Rose Fulbright's respected shipping team provides expert assistance to leading financial institutions and lessors, as well as ship owners and P&I clubs. It acts on collisions and commercial shipping disputes. The firm's shipping finance practice is notable for acting on matters including financial leasing and sale and leaseback transactions.

Wikborg Rein Advokatfirma has a noteworthy team of seasoned shipping finance and litigation specialists. The firm acts predominantly on behalf of financial leasing companies, and also represents shipbuilding groups, offshore companies, P&I clubs and cruise giants. The team provides guidance on matters in relation to joint ventures, restructuring, and sale and leaseback transactions. It also assists with litigation and arbitration procedures concerning salvage, oil pollution and shipbuilding, as well as contractual and charterparty disputes.