Shipping | Global

Bowmans is a shipping law powerhouse in South Africa, servicing 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.

ENS houses a renowned admiralty team frequently called upon to respond to casualties, including collisions, groundings and pollution, as well as arrests. The team also has remarkable strength in salvages and diverse maritime claims, as well as enforcement mandates. In addition to its wet work, clients also benefit from the department's logistics and ports expertise. The firm handles disputes relating to various jurisdictions around Africa and the world, with involvement in London arbitration proceedings. The group services a stellar array of shipping lines, P&I clubs and international law firms, which benefit from its presence in ports outside South Africa.

Webber Wentzel has a top-tier shipping group demonstrating 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 on 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 shipbuilders. 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.