Shipping
Our shipping practice is globally recognised as one of the largest and most esteemed, with a strong presence in the world's most active shipping clusters, including Norway, London, Singapore, and Shanghai. Since our establishment in 1923, our expertise in maritime law has been a cornerstone practice for the firm, acting for the biggest names in the industry and involved in the world's most high profile cases, deals and casualties, making our practice is a true global leader.
We offer a highly specialist team covering all areas of shipping law, providing high quality, pragmatic commercial advice on matters relating to admiralty and crisis management, dry shipping, and transactional work. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services that add value to our clients' commercial activities, while being adaptable to the constantly changing market conditions.
With a long-standing client base across the sector, including major shipowners, charterers, shipyards, Hull, P&I and FD&D insurers, pool operators, brokers, banks and investment funds, we are a trusted partner in their operations.
We provide ongoing advice related to the industry's complex regulatory landscape, including "green shipping", decarbonisation, autonomous maritime operations and new ocean industries reflecting our commitment to supporting our clients through this evolving landscape.
Our lawyers, many of whom are leaders in their field, contribute to our reputation as a top law firm. Year on year we are top-tier rated with Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and other legal research agencies.
We offer
- Admiralty and Crisis Management
- Collisions
- Groundings
- Salvage and wreck removal
- War risk and piracy
- Pollution and clean-up
- Anti-corruption, compliance and sanctions
- Dry Shipping
- Charterparties
- Bills of lading
- Cargo claims
- Shipbuilding contracts and project management, including superyachts and offshore vessels
- Marine insurance
- Cover
- Policy wording
- Regulatory/environmental
- Transactional work
- Sale and purchase transactions, including sale and lease back
- Asset Finance
- Recycling
- Corporate Restructuring
- Corporate Finance and IPOs
- Tax
Global presence
Our global presence is unmatched among Norwegian law firms, with offices in Oslo, Bergen, London, Shanghai, Singapore, and a strategic alliance with Vieira Rezende, a leading firm in shipping and offshore law in Brazil. This allows us to provide comprehensive legal services to clients across the globe, particularly in the most active shipping and offshore clusters.
Our London office is a team of highly experienced English lawyers who are able to provide seamless advice across all of our focus areas.
With leading specialists in all relevant subject areas, we are committed to providing tailored teams across offices and departments to meet our clients' requirements in the most efficient and effective way possible.
Our global reach and diverse expertise make us the preferred partner for ambitious Norwegian and international brands.
Sustainability in Shipping
The shipping industry, as the backbone of international trade, has long been a significant source of pollution. However, with growing emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, there is an increasing need for environmental regulations and monitoring of harmful substances released from ships. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the EU have adopted several regulations to address these concerns. The EU has taken a leading role in this effort, implementing a series of regulations to regulate shipping emissions and energy consumption, while promoting the transition away from fossil fuels in the maritime sector.
In addition to these regulations, there is a strong commercial focus on achieving sustainability goals within the maritime industry. Through initiatives such as green loans, the development of green technology, optimisation of vessels for emission reduction, LNG and greener fuel, and ship recycling, the industry is becoming more sustainable and green. Shipping also has a vital role to play for carbon capture and storage (CCS) by providing the vital transport link between capturing and storing CO2
At Wikborg Rein, we stay abreast of the latest development in green shipping regulations and initiatives. Our Shipping Offshore Update provides a comprehensive overview of the latest news and trends in this area.
Shipping Offshore Update Magazine
Here you will find a list of all of our Shipping Offshore Updates.
Read our articles on Shipping
EU MRV: “Offshore ships” now defined and included by the European Commission
Starting 1 January 2025, offshore ships must comply with EU MRV emission reporting rules as the European Commission defines their role in meeting climate targets.
Clash of Recollections: Contemporaneous Documents as Evidence
When two witnesses have conflicting recollections of oral statements made years ago, how does the court determine the truth?
MOK Petro Energy v. Argo (No. 604) Limited – “damage” and breach of warranty under the Insurance Act 2015
Michael Volikas and Leah Rutley of Wikborg Rein’s London office, instructing Benjamin Coffer and Simon Rainey KC of Quadrant Chambers, represented a syndicate of London reinsurers in the High Court in successfully defending claims against them for average loss in respect of a cargo of gasoil under a marine cargo reinsurance contract by the original assured pursuing their claims under a “cut-through” clause.
