Stephenson Harwood has a large team of Hong Kong shipping specialists and has further expanded with the arrival of Paul Ho in October 2023 from Ince & Co who excels in maritime and international trade, and ship finance. It is highly rated for ship financing mandates and shipping disputes, covering the full spectrum of shipping litigation work, from dry and wet charterparty work to insolvency and restructuring matters. In addition to its work for major international banks, credit agencies, owners, and operators, the group also acts for commodities finance companies. The practice is jointly led by Elizabeth Sloane, who is an expert in distressed enforcement and crisis management of urgent situations across both dry and wet sides of shipping, and Hongkai Zhou, who is noted for his shipping finance capabilities. Andrew Rigden Green is another senior practitioner experienced in marine and international trade matters, and Jason Toms is noted for his extensive experience in both wet and dry shipping matters and commercial litigation. Elton Chan is a shipping finance expert.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Andrew Rigden Green is a standout lawyer. He is hardworking, commercial and astute, and he instinctively knows when a transaction calls for a firmer approach or a more measured tone. We genuinely feel like Andrew is part of our team and understands our business and our priorities, which is all too rare in external counsel.'
'The Stephenson Harwood team is excellent. They are commercial, helpful, responsive and focus on what is important to the client. They do this by getting to know your business through the transaction and your priorities, and then focus on achieving the end result you are looking for.'
'A commercial approach to litigation, combined with technical acumen. Stephenson Harwood has a knowledgeable team that is great to worth with.'
'Andrew Rigden Green is calm and measured in his approach. He is extremely well-regarded in the market. Elizabeth Sloane is an excellent maritime lawyer, who works hard for her clients and is thoughtful in her litigation strategy.'
'Impressed with not only the quality of the individuals we work with, but also the firm's effort in supporting and promoting female lawyers.'
'Our go-to lawyers at SH HK are Elizabeth Sloane. Elizabeth is impressive in her speed and clarity.'
'A very excellent team that has always maintained stable and advanced service quality in the industry.'
'A very stable team. that does a well-done job. Excellent and efficient.'

Key clients

China Development Bank
China Development Bank Financial Leasing
Everbright Fortune International Leasing
ICBC Financial Leasing Ltd.
Michharry and Company Nigeria Limited
The People’s Insurance Co of China (Hong Kong) Ltd
The Export-Import Bank of China
CMB Financial Leasing Ltd.
Pantainer (H.K.) Limited
Panalpina World Transport (Japan) Ltd
Maersk Line
Societe Generale

Work highlights

Acting for Damco Hong Kong Limited in prosecuting and defending claims in the Hong Kong Court arising out of a large fire casualty in a warehouse at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal in Hong Kong.