Described as ‘utterly client-centered’, HFW routinely represents P&I clubs, international shipowners, and major shipyards, in shipping disputes and multi-jurisdictional contractual disputes, alongside bilateral debt financings and all forms of capital raising. The firm is highly regarded for its advice in high-profile collisions, total loss, and pollution claims, and in the dry shipping sphere, the group has vast expertise in regulatory compliance and risk management matters. Christopher Chan and Nick Poynder co-head the outfit, with Chan regularly acting for charterers and owners. Patrick Yeung handles dispute resolution arising from charterparties and shipbuilding, Henry Fung focuses on the sale and purchase of vessels, and George Lamplough is knowledgeable of cross-border fraud. Nicola Hui is labelled by clients as a ‘safe pair of hands’, and Angie Lo focuses on financing transactions.

With the trio of Damien Laracy, Janice Lee, and Gary Wong at the helm, the Hill Dickinson Hong Kong team has expertise in all types of shipping disputes, shipping finance, and regulatory compliance matters. The firm’s client-list includes major leasing companies, P&I clubs and cargo owners, with Laracy’s maritime practice consisting of debt and damage recovery mandates. Lee specialises in structured financing, particularly in sale and leaseback transactions, while Wong represents international and domestic banks and financial institutions in asset finance matters. Felix Cheung is also highlighted as a key contact, due to his knowledge of Admiralty disputes.

Fielding a multinational team of lawyers qualified in Mainland China, Australia, and Singapore, Ince & Co’s ‘top-flight’ outfit has vast experience in cross-border wet shipping litigation, charter hire tax disputes, and disciplinary proceedings. The firm regularly acts on behalf of international insurance corporations, major P&I Clubs, and shipping associations, with ‘force of nature’ Rosita Lau heading the group, specialising in multi-jurisdictional commercial disputes in Mainland China. Kelvin Lee is an expert in marine and non-marine insurance matters, in addition to complex coverage disputes, while Zhao Rong Ooi provides strategic advice to state-owned enterprises, financial institutions, and insurers.

Representing the full range of industry players, including major shipowners, P&I Clubs, and hull underwriters, the ‘very capable team’ at Clyde & Co LLP has in-depth knowledge in high-profile collision claims and voyage charterparty disputes. The group covers all types of asset finance, ranging from secured lending, leasing, and export credit financing, with the ‘sharp, commercial’ Matthew Lam and Fei Kwok co-heading the practice. Kwok is an expert in finance and energy transactions, Lam primarily focuses on insurance and commercial litigation, whilst Michael Ng stands out for his work involving the international sale of goods and charterparty claims.

Covering Court proceedings, arbitrations, and mediations regarding shipbuilding and brokers’ liability, the CMS practice boasts a lucrative client-base of major shipowners and financial leasing companies in Hong Kong and China. The firm’s office is focused on both global and local advice in the areas of IP, insurance, and M&A, while co-head Andrew Horton has longstanding experience in litigating in international trade disputes. The other co-lead, Steven Wise, is a commercial dispute specialist, focusing on contractual and tortious issues, Richard Oakley is knowledgeable of collisions and total loss cases, and Adrian Elms is also cited as a key name to note.

Spearheaded by ‘renowned figure in shipping’ Ernest Yang, DLA Piper frequently acts for global shipowners, major shipyards, and logistics providers, advising on the whole spectrum of shipping-related litigation and arbitration. On the non-contentious side, the practice negotiates and drafts contracts, insurance policies, and contingency plans, with Yang specialising in offshore projects and international investment. The ‘very commercial’ Kevin Chan consistently assists banks and multinational companies with cross-border claims, while Edison Li primarily focuses on commercial litigation and arbitration, with his primary focus being matters involving the sale of goods and commodities.

Reed Smith Richards Butler LLP has extensive expertise in handling litigation arising from collisions and malfunctions, cases involving vessels detained in ports by authorities, and complex arbitrations, regularly representing both global and local clients. Leveraging the knowledge of its specialist lawyers across the firm's Hong Kong, Singapore, Athens, and London offices, co-heads Lianjun Li and Peter Lee each bring vast insight into international trade, commercial transactions, and asset finance matters. Min Li regularly acts on behalf of state-owned enterprises, commercial insurance companies, and shipowners, while Donald Sham concentrates on arbitration proceedings. Zeldar Wang and Cheryl Yu are both key figures within the team.

Hailed for its ‘commercially minded’ approach, Stephenson Harwood fields a team of ship finance specialists, who are well-equipped to act for commercial lenders, export credit agencies, and major operators. The firm shows strength in shipping disputes, including bill of lading claims, sale of goods contracts, and voyage charter cases, with Shanghai and Hong Kong-based head Evangeline Quek being an expert in complex arbitration proceedings. Elizabeth Sloane primarily represents shipowners and charterers, while Andrew Rigden Green provides an ‘excellent service’ in international trade matters. Jason Toms is a maritime litigator, and Hongkai Zhou is also cited as key.

Acting for blue-chip financial institutions, including international banks, insurance companies, and investment funds, Watson Farley & Williams is praised by clients for its ‘experience’ and ‘invaluable advice’, standing out for its shipping finance and complex sale and leaseback transactions focus. Christoforos Bisbikos and Madeline Leong co-lead the outfit, with the former regularly overseeing projects in the maritime space, while the latter is an expert in the transportation, energy, and natural resources sectors. Marcus Gordon concentrates on dispute resolution claims in shipping, and Valerie Lee is also a key figure wtihin the team.

With vast experience in handling international trade disputes and recovery claims across various jurisdictions, including London, Mainland China, and Singapore, the Haiwen & Partners practice is hailed by clients as ‘highly responsive’ and ‘client-focused’. Edward Liu displays ‘exceptional expertise’, leading the team with his in-depth knowledge of international arbitration and maritime trade issues. Lori Ng primarily focuses on assisting corporations, shipowners, and charterers with complex commercial dispute resolution proceedings, and Vinca Yau routinely stands out for her work in investment treaty cases.

Experts in ship financing, sale and leaseback transactions, alongside complex shipping joint ventures, the team at Norton Rose Fulbright represents a diverse array of clients, ranging from Chinese leasing companies to global financial institutions. The firm demonstrates considerable cross-border capabilities, handling financing transactions spanning across Europe, Asia, and the United States primarily. Heading the practice in Hong Kong, Becky Tai is a specialist in advising on shipping projects, JOLCOs, and the construction of vessels, while regularly supporting both Chinese and international clients.

Providing ‘constructive and practicable legal advice’, the Tsui & Co team has extensive expertise in handling claims revolving around the re-possession of vessels to typhoon-caused damage, in addition to complex arbitrations. The firm has experience in acting for major P&I clubs and insurance companies, with UK and Hong Kong dual-qualified and chartered arbitrator Sam Tsui leading the team, specialising in all aspects of multi-jurisdictional shipping litigation.