Shipping Law & Practice 2025: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Advice for your Clients

Court-Proven, Solution-Focused Answers to 7 Thorny Legal Matters Facing Experienced Shipping Practitioners: Directly from Top-Rated KCs, Judges and Solicitors

Live Attendance

Attend the conference in-person at The Caledonian Club, London

  • Date Tuesday, 13 May 2025, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
  • Registration Open from 9:30AM
  • Rate

    £275

    + VAT per person

  • Information you won't find elsewhere

    Our experts talk under Chatham House Rule, so you get the best, most readily usable information they wouldn't share elsewhere

Programme

  1. 09:30

    Registration and coffee

  2. 10:00

    Chair's Introduction

    Shipping Law & Practice: Shaping new developments into solution-focused advice for your clients

    Chaired by David Pitlarge of Hill Dickinson

    David “has excellent legal knowledge and the depth of experience needed for strategically complex cases.” He has expertise in wet and dry shipping matters covering maritime casualties, charter parties and shipbuilding contracts.

  3. 10:10

    Liens over Freight

    What is the root cause of the trouble with liens over freight and cargo following recent cases, and how can you gain an edge for your clients in disputes?

    Answered by Chirag Karia KC

    Chirag “has a very rare combination of tenacious advocacy and academic excellence.” “His diligent approach towards difficult and complex cases, combined with his detailed knowledge of the law, produces superb results.”

  4. 10:45

    Limitation of Liability

    With MSC Flaminia still active, what is the court's approach to limitation of liability claims, including estoppel, jurisdiction, and differing approaches in Hong Kong and Australia?

    Answered by Julian Kenny KC

    Julian is "one of the go-to KCs for shipping work." "His advice is always excellent and his advocacy style is natural and easy." He acted in the hard-fought MSC Flaminia Litigation.

  5. 11:20

    Morning Coffee

  6. 11:35

    Damages for Late Delivery

    How far can you push the court over damages for late redelivery under time charters following Hapag-Lloyd v Skyros (2024), and what is the impact on market practice and client advice?

    Answered by James Watthey, 4 Pump Court

    James handles heavyweight international shipping cases. He is “simply brilliant”, “commercially savvy”, “ferocious when he needs to be” and “clients love him.” “He can see the wood for the trees.”

  7. 12:10

    FuelEU Challenges

    How will FuelEU operate in relation to pooling and surplus trading, how will it be enforced in practice, and where will the challenges come from?

    Answered by James M Turner KC

    James is a Contributor to the chapter on contracts in “Maritime Decarbonisation” and shortlisted for Legal 500 Sustainability Bar Champion. “What he does not know about shipping is not worth knowing - he is a master in the field.”

  8. 12:45

    Overrun

  9. 13:00

    Lunch

  10. 13:45

    Letters of Indemnity

    What is the latest judicial thinking on letters of indemnity (LOIs) and the concept of undisclosed principals in shipping contracts?

    Answered by Richard Southern KC

    Richard is a “top-notch KC who handles the most complex shipping disputes". “Tactically astute and unquestionably brilliant, he has a very good instinct for where a case is going to go”.

  11. 14:20

    Sanctions Law

    In light of O v. C (2024), when and how can a party be ordered to do something that breaks US sanctions law? How are judges reacting, and what are the practical and legal options for clients?

    Answered by Sara Masters KC

    Sara is a “superstar” with extensive experience in commercial sanctions both as counsel and as arbitrator with a particular focus on Russia and Iran, and advising on the impact of the EU (and UK) Blocking Regulations.

  12. 14:55

    Cargo Contamination

    What counts and will sway the court in fact-heavy cargo contamination cases, following MOK Petro Energy FZC v Argo (2024)?

    Answered by David Walsh KC

    David is one of Legal Week’s Stars at the Bar, “fiercely bright, hugely experienced, hard-working, approachable, accessible and a pleasure to work with.” He appeared in MOK Petro Energy FZC v Argo and many other leading shipping cases.

  13. 15:30

    Over-run

  14. 16:00

    Close of conference

Live Attendance

Attend the conference in-person at The Caledonian Club, London

  • Date Tuesday, 13 May 2025, 10:00AM to 4:00PM
  • Rate

    £275

    + VAT per person