Chris's practice encompasses the full range of dry shipping dispute resolution and casualty investigations. He is familiar with all aspects of the firm's shipping practice and has a particular focus on charterparty and shipbuilding contracts.
Notable cases include The Niobe (obligation under a contract for the sale of a vessel to notify Class of defects which affected class arising prior to delivery), Star Sea (utmost good faith in presenting claims under a hull policy, sending the vessel to sea in an unseaworthy condition with the privity of the assured), Explorer (misdelivery in Hong Kong of a cargo of copper cathodes without production of bills of lading, and confiscation of these goods by the Public Security Bureau in China), Thorscan (exclusive law and jurisdiction clause in favour of principal place of business), Kriti Akti (interpretation of the charter period under a Shelltime 3 form), Solway Harvester (insurance claim following high profile total loss of fishing vessel and crew).
Chris is a member of the firm’s shipbuilding team and frequently advises buyers and shipyards on the negotiation, drafting of contracts for the building, conversion and repair of conventional and specialist vessels and superyachts, as well as dispute resolution. He was involved in working with BIMCO to develop NEWBUILDCON, a standard-form newbuilding contract, and is a regular speaker and chairman of seminars on shipbuilding, conversion and repair.
Chris acts for leading shipyards and buyers in relation to building, conversion and repair contracts for specialist offshore vessels and floating platforms. He regularly advises on drafting contracts in these areas as well as resolving disputes. He acts for a large number of energy operators and contractors.
Chris is an expert in accidents to offshore vessels, fixed and floating platforms. He has acted in a significant number of cases including the BP Thunderhorse, Bombay High North and Piper Alpha, where he represented Occidental following an explosion and fire on this oil platform in the North Sea resulting in multiple loss of life. Subsequent litigation involved claims by an off duty worker for psychiatric damages after witnessing the explosion and indemnity claims for the replacement cost of equipment lost in the disaster.
He also handles claims under marine and energy insurance policies.