Clyde & Co LLP is known for complex shipping litigation, including class actions and environmental claims. With maritime specialists stationed across Australia, the team regularly assists with high-profile litigation involving novel areas of law. Ernest Van Buuren is a recognised authority on shipping disputes, as adept with insurance disputes as he is with novel class action proceedings. Nic Van Der Reyden‘s broad practice encompasses wet and dry shipping matters, from contract drafting and advisory work to high-stakes disputes. Melissa Tang strengthens the practice with her investigative and litigatory abilities, as well as her understanding of commercial and regulatory matters. Maurice Thompson departed for HFW in December 2023.

HFW continues to go from strength to strength in shipping, emergency response, and port infrastructure matters. The team has been granted access to high-profile litigation and transactional matters across the industry and at every stage of the shipping supply chain. The group’s enviable client list includes multinational companies and operations, insurers, resource companies, and commodities traders. Gavin Vallely has amassed significant experience with matters concerning bulk and liner shipping, offshore oil & gas, international trade, and large-scale casualties. Having joined in December 2024 from Clyde & Co LLP, Maurice Thompson brings expert knowledge of large-scale arbitrations and litigation, including those requiring external funding. Simon Shaddick routinely acts on international matters for clients from the offshore energy and insurance sectors.

Mills Oakley has a leading reputation for its marine insurer representation and transactional practice. The practice’s breadth is evidenced by its ability to advise on contract negotiations, litigation, and governmental employment advice. Frazer Hunt is a well-respected disputes lawyer, specialising in contentious insurance, international law, contract, and commercial matters. Maurice Lynch is well-versed in the intricacies of the 1984 Admiralty Act, including in rem proceedings. Henry Holland possesses specialist knowledge of indemnity disputes, subrogated recoveries, and marine insurance regulations. Andrew Crean and Daniel White both regularly assist onshore and offshore clients.

Colin Biggers & Paisley remains a key player in the marine insurance market, providing policy advice and overseeing defences and recoveries in shipping disputes. On the transactional side, the group frequently receives instructions in the towage and ports sectors. Andrew Tulloch has a strong track record with subrogated recovery actions and is highly respected by his insurer clients. Stuart Hetherington's litigation skills are applied to various admiralty, cargo, and hull liability claims. Stephen Thompson presides over the firm's transactional and advisory work.

Clifford Chance handles a steady stream of work including advisory support and dispute resolution in the shipping and maritime sectors. Arbitrations, multi-jurisdictional litigation, investigations, and judicial review are regular features of the group’s workload. Team head Pat Saraceni combines a keen understanding of dispute resolution strategy with deep industry knowledge of the maritime and oil and gas sectors.

Acting for domestic and international insurers, Hall & Wilcox has broad dispute-resolution experience across a variety of maritime sectors. The group also conducts key advisory work for ship owners, charterers, and service providers. Chris Sacré covers the full extent of the transport and supply of goods by covering pre-transportation negotiations and the resolution of disputes concerning carriage. Paul Baxter is skilled with personal injury and property liability claims in the shipping industry.

From commercial contracts to high-stakes marine litigation and defence of third-party liability claims, Kennedys offers the full range of shipping and commodity services. Marine insurers, vessel owners, exporters and P&I clubs are all regular clients of Jonathan Wyatt. Peter Craney regularly oversees complex cross-border litigations and arbitrations across various jurisdictions. Chris Finn has significant experience with contentious cargo and insurance disputes.

Sparke Helmore Lawyers has achieved renown for its deft handling of maritime incidents and casualty matters, including where related to polluting events, such as fires and spills. Michelle Taylor‘s strong reputation with shipping casualty and pollution has resulted in the group engaging with major events in Australian and wider Asia Pacific waters. Nikoletta Louverdis strengthens the practice with her public law experience. Sophie Priebbenow assists marine insurers and wider transport clients in litigated matters.

Thynne + Macartney continues to maintain its longstanding client relationships with marine insurers. The team has specialist disputes experience, including wreck removal, loss of life, oil spills, and salvage claims. Michael Fisher is entrusted to lead significant disputes by insurers, shipowners, and vessel operators. Matthew Hockaday is a key advisor to P&I clubs and major insurers.

Wotton + Kearney is a useful practice for those seeking policy drafting and coverage advice, as well as litigated and non-litigated insurance matters. The team also has experience with insolvency matters within the maritime industry. Naraya Lamart manages a broad practice which includes contentious and strategic advisory work. Aisha Lala is a key name for property and liability claims. James Cooper joined the practice in March 2024 from Clyde & Co LLP.