Maritime and shipping agreements and disputes
Commercial advice on shipping agreements and cargo matters
My shipping work forms part of my commercial and international practice. I consider agreements and disputes where English law applies, including matters involving overseas parties.
Charter parties and shipping arrangements
Advice may concern drafting, reviewing or interpreting charter-party terms and related commercial arrangements. Questions can arise before an agreement is made, during performance or when the parties disagree.
I will establish which documents and obligations are relevant and agree the scope of the work. This is an English-law service rather than an offer of advice on every port or jurisdiction.
Bills of lading and cargo
I consider legal questions concerning bills of lading, cargo damage and shortages. An enquiry may involve a contractual responsibility, the shipment documentation or a disagreement between commercial parties.
The contractual or cargo dispute and an insurance coverage question may require different advice. Marine insurance is a separate service destination.
Disputes and the role offered
I offer advice to parties in negotiation, arbitration and mediation and accept separate neutral appointments where appropriate. I do not offer court litigation.
An initial enquiry does not protect a deadline or confirm availability. For time-sensitive matters, phone to check whether I can consider the work rather than relying on a web submission.
An initial shipping enquiry
Briefly identify your role, the type of agreement or shipment and the broad issue. Indicate whether English law applies and mention any relevant timing. Keep confidential cargo documents, party details and detailed legal information out of the contact form until a suitable channel and engagement are agreed.
About your adviser
I am Robert Jonathan Pitman, an SRA-regulated freelance solicitor. I was called to the Bar in 1973 and admitted as a solicitor in 1987.
I will consider suitability, conflicts, scope and engagement terms before confirming whether I can act. An initial enquiry does not create a solicitor-client relationship or protect a deadline.