Full Profile
Stephen specialises in shipping and energy related issues, particularly those arising from the carriage of oil, gas and LNG by sea involving chaterparties and bills of lading.
His areas of particular expertise are oil, gas and LNG tanker related issues including disputes arising from oil shortage, cargo contamination, unsafe port/berth disputes and market loss claims. He works for a wide entirely international client base of shipowners, charteres, insurers and cargo owners.
Stephen has a first class B.Sc (Hons) Degree in Maritime Studies and before qualifying as a solicitor, he was a navigating officer with Shell Tankers (UK) Limited. Stephen has practical experience of the operation of VLCC's, Product Tankers, LNG Tankers and Bulk carriers. He was Shell 'cadet of the year', a watch-keeping officer with Operation Raleigh and has sailed the Atlantic on a Tall Ship.
He speaks regularly at conferences worldwide on shipping related issues.
Stephen is recommended by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for shipping. He has been described by Chambers as a "leader in his field."
Experience
Stephen’s experience includes:
- Second Officer responsible for navigation and cargo operations on Shell's LNG tanker fleet.
- Acting in LNG charterparty disputes in relation to terminal use agreements and rejection of a vessel for lack of SIRE approval.
- Acting in £1m+ boil-off dispute on a new build vessel.
- Advising on emergency procedures and assessment of claim following a collision in Singapore.
- Advising on LNG charter party deals and charter party regulatory issues.
- Advising on LNG tanker main engine conversions.
- Advising on a multi-million pound LNG cargo contamination dispute.
- Advising on LNG charters in relation to underperformance and cargo management issues.
- Advising on a start-up LNG project involving use of vessels for LNG project and/or bunkering.
