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Maritime Disputes

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CMS' sector-focused lawyers are dispute resolution specialists and business-minded problem solvers. If you have an issue that requires legal action, we can assist you in analysing risk, managing disputes and seeking constructive solutions and settlement. In Hong Kong, we support clients on local and international disputes with a particular focus on litigation and arbitration with a particular focus on maritime disputes.

Our maritime disputes team advises across the full spectrum of disputes including charterparty, bill of lading, marine casualty, brokerage and brokers liability, ship management, insurance and reinsurance, trade credit, political risk and Specialist Insurance and international arbitration.

Our team also advises and acts on a broad range of commercial disputes for both listed and privately held companies, trading houses and banks, including shareholder and joint venture disputes, insolvency proceedings, regulatory enquiries, disputes under contracts relating to sale of goods and services, documentary credits, financing issues, bills of exchange, cyber security breaches, distribution and agency agreements, management agreements and product liability issues, both domestic and international. We have particular experience of obtaining and resisting injunctive relief, as well as expertise in enforcement proceedings.

In addition to Court proceedings a large proportion of our disputes work is conducted in arbitration proceedings. These may be ad hoc, institutional, or trade-based and include arbitrations under the roles of the LMAA, LCIA, ICC, HKIAC, CIETAC, CMAC, SIAC, SCMA, GAFTA, FOSFA, RSA and others.

Using our global experience and local knowledge, we can safeguard your interests before arbitral tribunals, state courts and in alternative dispute resolution. With over 400 disputes lawyers in nearly 40 countries, we can resolve both local and complex multi-jurisdictional disputes.

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

Chambers Greater China, 2022

CMS provides a ‘client-focused‘ service to freight forwarders, P&I clubs, port terminals and cargo interests, among others. It has a notable strength in shipping litigation and arbitration, and is extremely active in ship arrest matters. [The team] is highlighted for its ability to find ‘extremely innovative ways to obtain the best results for clients.

Legal 500, 2022