Marine and international trade
Dealt with numerous disputes arising out of the supply of off-spec bunkers, advised shipowners on the potential claim for damages against charterers and/or suppliers and recommended practical way to mitigate losses.
Acted for shipowners in respect of a marpol enforcement action aggressively pursued on a tanker vessel by the US department of justice (DOJ). Dealing with posting security, entering into a plea agreement with the DOJ and subsequently probation which involved an extensive environmental compliance program.
Acted for head owners in a charterparty dispute in the High Court that involved head owners, charterers and sub-charterers which arose out of an aborted loading of wrong sized/weight hot rolled coils on terms contracted between charterers and sub charterers that were not back to back with the head C/P.
Shipping litigation
In addition to successfully representing clients in arbitrations and mediations in London, was involved in reported shipping litigation decisions both in the High and Court of Appeal:
- the High Court considered the effects of RETLA clauses in a bill of lading based on owners' fraudulent misrepresentation(s) as to the condition of cargo upon shipment.
- the Court of Appeal considered the true construction and application of a proviso to an off-hire clause dealing with the capture, seizure, detention or arrest of a vessel.
Successfully represented shipowners in disputes arising out of unlawful deductions from hire for dry bulk shipping cases.
More: Shipping litigation
Commercial litigation
Been a Cyprus qualified lawyer successfully deposited various applications for instance bankruptcy petitions, applications relating to the registration and execution of foreign judgments/arbitration awards in Cyprus and advised clients on a variety of complex commercial matters including the application of EU Directives in Cyprus.
Successfully arrested vessels both in Cyprus and worldwide. Deposited interim/freezing injunctions for high value often involving complex, multi-jurisdictional issues.
Ship and offshore finance
On the ship finance side, handled the corporate and ship finance restructuring of a group of companies worth around US$500million.
Drafted all necessary contractual documentation to effect major cross border transactions and participated in all stages of ship/corporate finance (preparation, negotiation, pre/post-closing formalities, closings attendance in various jurisdictions).
Handled approximated 100 ship sale and purchase of second-hand tonnage transactions including drafting the MOAs, negotiating the terms, attending closing registering/deleting the vessels in various jurisdictions.
On the enforcement side defended the arrest and repossession of two vessels vigorously pursued by a European financial institution.
Shipowners and operators
Representing shipowners in relation to disputes arising under time and voyage charters, including early redelivery, speed and performance, unseaworthiness and non-payment of hire.
Dealt with over 20 ongoing disputes in parallel following the OW bunkers bankruptcy collapse which sent shockwaves through the shipping industry.
Advice on shipmanagment/commercial agreements, pool agreements, contracts of affreightment, ship management/commercial agreements, ship repair and security related agreements, brokerage agreements, share purchase projects, non-disclosure agreements, joint venture agreements.
Shipping
Representing shipowners in relation to disputes arising under time and voyage charters, including early redelivery, speed and performance, unseaworthiness, non-payment of hire.
Dealt with over 20 ongoing disputes in parallel following the OW bunkers bankruptcy collapse which sent shockwaves through the shipping industry.
Advice on shipmanagment/commercial agreements, pool agreements, contracts of affreightment, ship management/commercial agreements, ship repair and security related agreements, brokerage agreements, share purchase projects, non-disclosure agreements, joint venture agreements.