Stephenson Harwood

Maritime, Commercial Disputes, International Arbitration

Partner

Khurram is a partner based in the Middle East with specialist knowledge of the KSA, UAE and the UK markets. He primarily specialises in dispute resolution with a particular focus on the maritime, transportation, oil & gas, international trade and ports/terminal sectors, as well as general commercial litigation. Additionally, he brings extensive expertise in non-contentious matters within these sectors and provides general corporate advice to clients in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

With over two decades of experience, Khurram provides advice to shipowners, charterers, terminal/port operators, logistics companies, P&I Clubs, traders, offshore operators/shipowners, governmental bodies and various other local and international companies. He advises on a wide range of disputes relating to debt recovery, charterparty, commodities sale and purchase contracts and COA disputes including seaworthiness, off-hire, withdrawal from hire, safe port/berth, early redelivery, off-spec bunkers, as well as ship arrests, general average, groundings, collisions/allisions and cargo claims.

Before his current position, Khurram worked at a prominent international law firm, initially in Dubai and later relocating to Riyadh to establish and lead their shipping practice. Following this, he was recruited by another top-tier international law firm to assist with their expansion into the Saudi market and spearhead their operations in the country. Earlier in his career, he worked at a major International Group P&I Club, advising its members, primarily Korean shipowners (with whom he still maintains close ties) on FD&D and P&I claims. Additionally, he held a position as a part-time law lecturer at the University of Westminster in the UK.

Clients benefit from Khurram’s extensive experience in managing disputes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the High Court in London and Courts throughout the UAE. He also represents clients before various arbitral institutes including LMAA, ICC, LCIA, DIAC and AAA. He has also provided advice on matters concerning other GCC jurisdictions and numerous jurisdictions globally.

In addition to his contentious work, Khurram drafts amends and reviews various maritime contracts such as sale and purchase agreements for vessels, commodities, terms and conditions and bills of lading (house and NVOCC) for major maritime and logistics companies/freight forwarders throughout the region, as well as terms of use and concession agreements for ports/terminal operators.

Khurram has a proven track record in supporting international businesses on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, establishing himself as a trusted advisor for businesses pursuing opportunities in the Saudi market. Leveraging his substantial experience in corporate work, he has successfully advised numerous clients through complex legal matters.