Chris is a vastly experienced transport and trade lawyer who has practiced at Ince & Co London, Univan Ship Management in Hong Kong and now with Australia’s preeminent transport lawyers in Sydney.
He litigates regularly in the Supreme Court and Federal Courts as well as ACICA, LMAA, GAFTA and ICC arbitrations. In addition to handling P&I, charterparty and carriage disputes, Chris also represents Australia’s leading marine insurers of cargo, hull and pleasurecraft. He handles contentious and non-contentious matters concerning the petroleum supply chain from exploration to fuel retailer franchising. Chris advises Australian commodity traders on international trade and disputes as well as Australia’s largest airline in relation to claims arising out of physical damage to aircraft.
Chris is listed as an “Australian Transport Law Rising Star” in Doyle’s Guide 2019 and has been recommended by clients as:
“…our go to man in Australia. A marine law expert who understands the demands of modern ship management…”
“…a pleasure to work with. His diligent and proportional approach to the resolution of shipping disputes is a breath of fresh air…”
Chris has also been listed in the 2020 edition of Best LawyersTM Australia for Shipping & Maritime Law and Transportation Law.
Chris’ recent experience includes:
- Ship Arrest: Representing the Owners of the Hanjin California in arrest proceedings in the Federal Court which raised issues of the impact of foreign maritime liens and cross boarder insolvency on ship arrest jurisdiction;
- Iron Ore Trader: International trade dispute concerning a contract for the supply of iron ore valued in excess of US$750 million and the associated letters of credit. Freezing injunctions in the Supreme Court and ICC Arbitration in Geneva;
- Ship Owners P&I Club and South Sea Cruises: Instructed by vessel operators and liability insurers to defend a $3 million personal injury action in the NSW Supreme Court arising out of the consumption of cleaning fluid by a cruise passenger;
- Svitzer: Oil spill response, evidence gathering, minimising liabilities and handling the resulting prosecution;
- Marine Insurance Market: Subrogated recovery actions for some of Australia’s largest insurers. Examples include: a claim in respect of 300 vehicles damaged by a hail; a claim against ship owners following seawater contamination of a shipment of 44,000 mt cement clinker; full recoveries against the hirers of audio visual equipment damaged during a slime event and another damaged by fire in transit; a claim against shipyard and service providers following the total loss of a commercial motor yacht by fire; and
- Container Line/P&I: Handling cargo claims arising out of the total loss of thirty containers in heavy weather.