James is a senior member of Ince & Co's international emergency response team, dealing with the full range of marine casualties: collisions, groundings, fires, engine failures, salvage incidents, pollution and personal injuries. In addition to this wet expertise, James advises widely on issues arising in connection with charterparties, the carriage of goods by sea and insurances.
James has advised shipowners and their insurers in some of the world’s highest profile marine casualties in the past two decades including: Braer and Sea Empress (the largest oil spill casualties in the UK); Orapin Globa/Evoikos (a collision resulting in the largest oil spill off Singapore); Nissos Amorgas (the largest oil spill in Venezuela); Sea Parana/Estrella Pampeana (a collision resulting in the largest oil spill in Argentina); Kaminesan/Hyundai 105 (a collision off Singapore resulting in the sinking of H105 and claims in excess of US$120 million); Fowairet (vessel grounded and broke back in River Scheldt – at the time, the largest LOF peacetime salvage award); Hebei Spirit (the largest oil spill in Korea).
James is the co-author of the current edition of the Admiralty Law Section of Halsbury’s Laws of England. He is qualified in both England and Hong Kong.
"He is described as 'an incredibly pragmatic guy, sensible and great to work with; he is able to co-operate when it is required and take all the right points'". Chambers & Partners, 2008
During his career James has acquired vast experience of advising international clients on commercial disputes, primarily within the maritime sector. As well as dealing with heavyweight, technical litigation, he advises on arbitrations, negotiated settlements and formal alternative dispute resolution processes. He plays an active role in promoting mediation and is a qualified and practising commercial mediator.