Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP continues to develop ‘its young and energetic team’ which has a ’strong understanding of the local market and needs of businesses operating in the Middle East.’ The shipping practice is equally adept across contentious, non-contentious and transactional work, with a specialist strength in wet shipping matters that include major pollution incidents, fires, explosions and collisions. Rania Tadros is ‘well versed with international shipping practice and law’, while Saif Almobideen, who was promoted to partner in May 2023, is a ’go-to lawyer’ for shipping and commercial disputes in the region. ‘Savvy and skilled operator’ Mark Lakin primarily focuses on complex shipping and commodities disputes; Menelaus Kouzoupis joined the Dubai office from London in April 2023. Mohamed El Hawawy was a new arrival in March 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What sets Stephenson Harwood's shipping practice apart from their counterparts is their relentless commitment to excellence. The team at provides clients with comprehensive legal advice and specialized expertise in all areas of maritime law.’
‘One key element that distinguishes Stephenson Harwood's shipping practice is its solid capabilities in advising on marine insurance related matters (either under Hull & Machinery policies or P&I Policies) under English law and UAE local laws. The marine insurance and local shipping team led by partner, Saif Almobideen, comprises an outstanding group of bilingual lawyers qualified from civil and common law jurisdictions.’
‘Saif is as an impressive individual within the firm. His unique skills and expertise in complex cross-border litigation disputes, particularly in the areas of shipping, insurance and crisis management make him a valuable asset to the team.’
‘They have an experienced team of good lawyers who assist us with maritime disputes, contracts and other legal matters. ’
‘Rania is a very good and experienced lawyer well versed with International shipping and maritime practices and law. It has always been a pleasure working with her. ’
‘Paul Katsouris and Rania Tadros have exceeded our expectations in handling complex cases involving interpretation of contracts and corporate authorities required for ship sale and purchase agreements, advised on joint venture and shareholders agreement in an impressive turnaround time, and continue to advise the company on its trading fleet as well as recycling deals.’
‘Excellent reactivity and knowledge of local practise within the shipping industry.’
‘Mark Lakin is a savvy and skilled operator who combines excellent commercial instincts along with an in depth knowledge of the law.’
Key clients
- National Bank of Fujairah
- British Marine
- Aggregates Manufacturing Trading
- FIMBank plc
- Sahara Energy Resource Ltd
- International Transport Workers' Federation
- Aria Seaway Ltd
- First Marine Services
- Wan Hai Lines
- West of England P&I Club/Owners of the AG Neptune
- Hai Xing
- TransAsia Private Capital Limited
- Ceto Shipping Corporation
- Gulf Marine Services (GMS)
- ZMI Holdings (ex-name Zakher Marine International)
- Global Feeder Shipping Ltd
- Global Marketing Systems Inc. (GMS)
- TTMS Club
- Milaha Integrated Maritime and Logistics
- Dubai Express LLC (Freightworks)
- General National Maritime Transport Company
Work highlights
- Instructed by the owners and the P&I insurers of the Vessel, MV Flower of Sea in respect of a major oil pollution incident in the port of Aqaba in Jordan, which has been widely reported in the regional and industry press.
- Acting in English High Court, LCIA arbitration, Nigerian Court (Lagos & Abuja) and UAE Court proceedings on behalf of Sahara Energy Resource Ltd in its disputes with UAE based trader Ultimate Oil & Gas DMCC and its Nigerian based parent company Rahamaniyya Oil & Gas DMCC arising from a sale contact.
- Instructed to advise a global commodity trading company on a joint venture with a UAE-based partner in respect of the acquisition and operation of newbuild product oil tankers.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Rania Tadros, Mohamed El Hawawy