Nic is a Partner in HWL Ebsworth’s Transport team with over 20 years’ experience in shipping, logistics, international trade, litigation, and dispute resolution. He acts for shipowners, charterers, traders, logistics and mining companies, and their insurers, including P&I and H&M. His work covers the full spectrum of charterparties, COAs, bills of lading, offshore oil & gas, shipbuilding, ship S&P, contract drafting and advisory.
Nic’s experience includes offshore supply vessels, FPSO, project cargoes, casualties, fire investigations, ship arrest, coastal shipping regulation. He has extensive experience in domestic and international commercial arbitration and mediation. He is qualified to practice in South Africa, England & Wales, and Australia. Recognised by Chambers, Legal 500, Lexology, Best Lawyers, and Doyle’s Guide, Nic is praised for his industry knowledge, communication, and client focus.
Expertise
Experience
- Marine InsurersAdvising on cargo claims, charterparty disputes, freight forwarder liabilities, port liabilities, stevedoring claims and other marine liability claims.
- The owners and insurers of the “APL Sydney”Defending a AUD120 million claim following the fouling and rupture of a major gas pipeline by the vessel’s anchor and the successfully limited the liability of the owners under the Limitation Convention.
- Owners and operators of FPSOs and OSVsAdvising clients in relation to charterparties, towage, collisions, pollution and regulatory issues, including NOPSEMA.
- Ship Arrest Advising on arrest of ships, including the Admiralty Marshal, mortgagees, charterers, cargo claimants, ship owners and their insurers defending claims.
- Charterparties and Bills of ladingAdvising on all aspects of charterparties, COAs and bills of lading, cargo claims in both contentions and non-contentious matters.
- P&I ClubsDefending marine pollution claims arising from oil, noxious liquid substances and waste.
- Ports and TerminalsAdvising on all marine issues associated with port operations and port facility development including the development of a new offshore supply base and bulk liquid storage facility.
- Ship Sale & PurchaseAdvising on all aspects of ship sale & purchase transactions, ranging from small pleasure craft and luxury motor yachts to commercial barges, tugs, dredgers, ro-pax ferries and blue water vessels, including obligations under the Hong Kong and Basel conventions.
