‘With extensive global expertise’, Hesketh Henry specialises in shipping and maritime law. In addition to its experience within New Zealand, the firm is qualified to advise on English law contracts within the maritime space. Commercial vessel owners and operators, shipyards, shipbrokers, port agents, and insurers instruct the firm, coming from across the world. The team is overseen by Auckland-based Simon Cartwright, who represents clients in international arbitrations relating to maritime law. Alan Sherlock, who has taken on a consultancy position at the firm as of January 2024, focuses on maritime insurance issues. Colin Hunter bolsters the firm’s maritime insurance expertise, with experience in cross-border claims.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Excellent. Very experienced in their field, with extensive global expertise. Very easy to work with and good communicators - efficient and responsive.’

  • ‘Simon Cartwright is very good to deal with and has a lot of experience. Provides practical and commercially useful advice, on time.’

  • ‘Hesketh Henry are a professional legal team who are very proficient and expert in their field.'

  • 'The team led by Simon Cartwright and Colin Hunter are experts in their field and have excellent knowledge in marine laws locally and internationally.’

Key clients

  • Charterers P & I Club
  • Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (NZ) Ltd
  • Mediterranean Shipping Co
  • Vero Marine
  • AECOM New Zealand
  • CFGC Forest Managers (NZ) Ltd
  • ADM International SARL
  • Marnco Limited

Work highlights

  • Acted for CFGC Forest Managers (NZ) Ltd in a matter attracting media attention, successfully arresting a vessel and securing orders allowing discharge of the cargo preservation and inspection of evidence.
  • Assisting ADM International SARL with a charter party dispute presently in proceedings in London, and protecting its position vis-à-vis the guarantor in New Zealand proceedings.
  • Assisted Maritime Mutual Insurance Association (NZ) Ltd  with successfully obtaining a permanent anti-suit injunction in respect of a certain vessel, understood to be the first successful anti-suit injunction in New Zealand to enforce an arbitration agreement.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Simon Cartwright

Other key lawyers

Alan Sherlock, Colin Hunter