Our International Trade and Shipping Group has long been one of the best regarded practices in this field advising owners, charterers, vessel operators, traders, banks and insurers in relation to a wide range of high value contracts and disputes.

The vast majority of International Trade continues to be carried out by means of sea transportation. Our International Trade and Shipping Group draws on the experience and ability of a strong team of lawyers who count among their clients the full range of participants in the shipping and trading of goods internationally including the world's leading trading companies. We service clients involved in the sale and purchase of commodities and those engaged in structured and transactional finance for trade all over the world. The firm's reputation in this field is enviable.

Our experts in Ship Construction, Finance, Sale and Purchase advise owners, charterers, shipyards, banks and insurers in relation to newbuildings, sale, purchase and demise chartering arrangements and related processes, the provision of ship finance and the negotiation of security arrangements.

Whether we are advising a shipowner in relation to the purchase or construction of a new vessel or the enforcement of ship mortgage security, a charterer on its cargo loading obligations, the buyer of the goods carried or an underwriter on its liability under a marine insurance policy, we have the expertise and back-up to provide clients with a service which combines efficient and cost-effective action with commercially focused advice. Our goal is to add value to our clients' business by understanding their commercial and legal needs and directing them swiftly to the best practical course of action in a market where timing is often crucial.

Disputes between parties to construction and sale contracts are a drain on management time and effort. Our vast experience in dispute resolution and litigation in this field means that we can help clients avoid potential trouble-spots and support them with heavyweight case handling teams whenever and wherever needed.

The expansion and increased sophistication of marine and non marine insurance and reinsurance business continues to play a pivotal role in the development of shipping and international trade. We provide a comprehensive service to a full range of participants, including leading P&I Clubs and other mutuals, Lloyd's Syndicates, major independent insurance and reinsurance companies both in the U.K. and overseas, brokers, underwriting agents, and other intermediaries and market professionals.  We advise on all aspects of marine and non marine insurance and reinsurance, both contentious and non-contentious.

Members of the group are acknowledged by independent legal practice surveys to be amongst the leading specialists in their field in the United Kingdom. The firm continues to attract some of the most able and dynamic young lawyers in the shipping, insurance and international trade sectors, marking it out as a major player in this field.