With over 20 years of experience in litigation and dispute resolution, Stephenson Harwood‘s shipping practice continues its steady growth, supported by a robust cross-disciplinary team with notable expertise in insurance and industrial risks. Managed by Nicolas Demigneux, the team has cultivated a specialised practice in maritime matters, providing assistance to shipowners, ship managers, charterers, shipyards, insurers, reinsurers, and P&I clubs. Their work this year has been particularly noteworthy in addressing international insurance issues.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Stephenson Harwood is one of the world-renowned law firms that can provide comprehensive services under different legal jurisdictions around the world.'

  • 'Stephenson Harwood provides extremely professional and meticulous legal services, including introduction and analysis of French litigation procedures.'

  • 'They are efficient, offering timely follow-ups of case processes and proactive risk analysis and reminders, so clients have a clear understanding of the involved disputes.' 

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Key clients

  • The Hartford (Formerly Navigators), RSA and Talbot Underwriting
  • Hiscox MGA LTD.
  • Louis Dreyfus Armateurs SAS and LD Ports & Logistics PTE LTD.
  • Columbia Shipmanagement
  • Maersk Line A/S
  • RSA Insurance Group PLC, RSA France and RSA Luxembourg

Work highlights

  • Advising insurers of a European naval defense company on its coverage discussions with the lead underwriter, the broker and the insured following the fire that destroyed part of a nuclear attack submarine.
  • Advising a ship manager and maritime service provider on criminal proceedings against crew members following the interception of a vessel and the discovery by French customs of 2 tons of cocaine on board.
  • Advising and representing the owner of a multi-million megayacht, facing approximatively 10 proceedings.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Nicolas Demigneux

Other key lawyers

Alexandre Koenig, Viviane Tse, Deborah Attias, Guerin Loisel, Marion Jaeck, Marion Eichwald