Stephenson Harwood has a distinguished track record in representing Korean global corporations, international banks, insurance companies, and shipbuilding and trading firms in onshore and offshore disputes. Michael Kim co-heads the team and brings extensive experience in shipping, ship finance, and commercial litigation as well as expertise in ADR, advising on charter parties, shipbuilding, and offshore construction contracts. Stuart Burrell specialises in high-value dispute resolution and international arbitration while Stuart Beadnall is a leading expert in shipping and energy, focusing on contract negotiations in offshore oil, gas and shipbuilding. Newly promoted partner Matthew Seah acts for both financiers and shipowners on a broad range of projects, including syndicated and bilateral financings, ECA-backed financings and sustainability-linked loans.
Shipping: foreign firms in South Korea
Stephenson Harwood
Practice head(s):
Michael Kim; Rania Tadros; Dora Mace-Kokota; Daryll Ng; Gregg Johnston
Other key lawyers:
Stuart Burrell; Stuart Beadnall; Sean Gibbons; Matthew Seah
Testimonials
‘Attention to individual detail, constant and dependable availability, and good contacts within the industry to assist litigation.’
‘Speciality and depth of knowledge in law and practice, persistence in pursuing goals and a client-friendly attitude.’
‘Michael Kim can advise on most shipping and maritime issues with the best quality.’
‘Stephenson Harwood is well known to Korean clients for its shipping, shipbuilding, international trade and construction practices. They have extensive experience and expertise in the shipping and shipbuilding industry, and they also know the Korean market well. Stephenson Harwood LLP has been, and will be, the international law firm connecting the Korean market with the UK legal tribunals.’
‘Michael Kim thoroughly knows the shipping and shipbuilding industry as well as the Korean market. Based on his experiences and expertise, Mr Kim understands the client’s needs well and provides effective and practical solutions. Mr Kim is always ready and willing to assist and satisfy clients’ needs, which can be urgent at times. Stuart Burrell is also well-recognised in the Korean market for his devotion to Korean clients.’
‘They are well aware of the practical strengths and weaknesses of Korean shipping companies and shipyards. Based on this understanding, they are skilled in developing response strategies.’
‘Michael Kim had experience in sailing before becoming a lawyer, and it is difficult to find someone who knows Korea’s shipping practices and Korean corporate culture better than him through his long career as a lawyer.’
Key clients
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd
Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering
Korea Line Corporation
Hanwha General Insurance Co Ltd
The Import-Export Bank of Korea
KB Insurance Co., Ltd
Chevron International Pte Ltd
The Standard Club
HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd
Hyundai Merchant Marine
Pan Ocean Co., Ltd
Sungdong Shipbuilding
Daehan Shipbuilding Co., Ltd
Sinokor Merchant Marine Co.,Ltd
Japan P&I Club
SPP Shipbuilding Co., Ltd
Eukor Car Carriers. Inc
Macon Charter B.V.
SK Shipping Co., Ltd.
H-Line Shipping Co.,Ltd.
DB Insurance Co., Ltd
Feen Marine Scrubbers Inc.
HHIC-PHIL KOREA
Hyundai Marine & Fire Insurance Co., Ltd
KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH
Samsung Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
SC Engineering Co., Ltd.
Seil Textile Co., Ltd.
You Chang Trading Corp
MULTI ASSET GLOBAL INVESTMENTS CO.,LTD.
LATTICE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
WILLIAM FRY
NOVEL GROUP OÜ
BHI CO., LTD
Work highlights
- Advised HJ Shipbuilding & Construction Co., Ltd in a Singapore High Court case, defending a US$32m claim.
Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith LLP is renowned for its litigation and international arbitration work, with a well-established wet and dry shipping practice. The firm has significant expertise in shipping, onshore and offshore construction, trade, and commodities, handling both disputes and non-contentious matters involving ports, terminals, ship finance, and competition issues in shipping alliances. London-based Alex Andrews leads the practice, focusing on high-value shipbuilding, infrastructure and offshore disputes. Peter Glover specialises in complex shipping, admiralty and trade disputes with cross-border complexities, while Alexander Sandiforth oversees early dispute management and the provision of ongoing advice concerning the performance of long-term high-value contracts. Marjorie Holmes brings extensive expertise in competition law within the marine sector.
Practice head(s):
Alex Andrews
Other key lawyers:
Peter Glover; Lianjun Lee; Alexander Sandiforth; Marjorie Holmes
Testimonials
‘Reliable and professional.’
‘Precise and prompt legal advice with a commercial recommendation. As an international law firm, their networks across foreign countries for local law advice are excellent.’
‘Expertise, efficiency and prompt responses.’