Shanghai office rated in Legal 500

| 4th January 2007

Legal 500 commentary: China's rapid economic growth has been driven through maritime shipping and trade, with over 80% of its total exported goods being transferred by a fleet of some 230,000 cargo vessels. The country's dependence on shipping is reflected by its position as one of the largest maritime jurisdictions in the world, with 41 such specialised courts located on the Mainland.

Shipping is a key area of strength for Ince & Co throughout its worldwide network of offices, and China is no different. Peter Murray leads a group that is seen by many as the finest wet team on the Mainland; one that is a regular feature of high-profile collision, grounding and salvage cases. In addition to its weighty contentious caseload, the team also advises on shipbuilding contracts, joint ventures, and a large number of disputes. Paul Ho is particularly experienced in ship financing, sale and purchase.

Clyde & Co's visibility within the Mainland shipping sector has increased dramatically following the opening of the firm's new Shanghai office in February 2006. Ik Wei Chong has moved from Hong Kong to become chief representative, advising ship-owners, charterers, P&I clubs, shipyards, freight-forwarders and logistics companies on a full range of both wet and dry issues, particularly those involving disputes.

Holman Fenwick & Willan's shipping work is now handled by marine litigation specialist Henry Fung, who divides his time between HK and China, with Andrew Cutler having returned to London and left the firm. Notable assistance comes in the form of consultant Peter Rees Smith, who used to be the firm's Hong Kong managing partner, and special counsel Maurice Thompson, who advises on local and international maritime and insurance related litigation. The firm also boasts a specialist admiralty and crisis management team.

Following the departure of shipping and maritime disputes expert Richard Kimber, Stephenson Harwood & Lo now has no such-focused practitioners on the Mainland. The firm still operates a strong team in Hong Kong, which is led by Rob White, Mark Reed and Malcolm Kemp.

Shipping and maritime law is a key area for Norwegian heavyweight Wikborg Rein's Shanghai office, advising Scandinavian and international clients on a full range of issues. Chief representative Lars Berge Andersen is particularly skilled in marine finance, while Chelsea Chen works within a dedicated shipping offshore industry group.

In DLA Piper's Shanghai office, partner Roy Chan handles insurance and trade-related contentious work, including marine insurance claims, sale and purchase of ships, and ship financings.