Shipping | Global

Bowmans is a shipping law powerhouse in South Africa that services P&I clubs, charterers, owners and banks on an array of wet and dry work. The firm's diverse client roster benefits from its profound expertise in mortgage foreclosures, ship arrests, vessel collisions and maritime disputes, with extensive experience concerning London-based arbitration. In addition, the team possesses considerable strength in casualty matters. The department is also well equipped to handle port infrastructure mandates, including ports development. The team has an active practice representing underwriters and cruise line operators, with notable strength outside of South Africa, including in Namibia.

Webber Wentzel has a top-tier shipping group that demonstrates considerable expertise in vessel collisions and other casualties, as well as handling charter party disputes and cargo claims. The team is commended for its dry work and its representation of ports and terminal authorities, particularly in relation to issues such as damage, allisions and grounding claims. The firm additionally represents various local businesses, as well as international companies, insurers and underwriters, in high-profile cases. Webber Wentzel is notably proficient in arrest work, with a growing practice acting on instructions from P&I clubs.

Norton Rose Fulbright operates a prominent shipping and ports practice that enjoys an enviable reputation for its insurance and cargo interests work. The team is well versed in the handling of casualties, judicial sales, issues stemming from declarations of general average, and debt and security enforcement, as well as advising on commercial contracts for ferry services and ship builders. The drafting of marine insurance policies is a further notable specialism. The team frequently acts on cross-border mandates both within Africa and worldwide, representing clients including underwriters, insurers, owners and P&I clubs.

Clyde & Co is a high-profile global law firm with a well-established presence in South Africa's shipping market. The team primarily acts for ship-owning clients, both domestic and international, with further instructions derived from cargo interests. It demonstrates notable expertise in ship arrests and hull and cargo claims as well as commercial transactions in the space. Additionally, the firm is active handling shipping disputes, including arbitrations.