Overview
Marine insurance is a specialist practice area requiring experience, knowledge and skills to settle complex technical claims and assess commercial risk.
We act for international insurers, P&I clubs, ports, shipowners and Lloyd’s syndicates, working alongside claims managers, loss adjusters and corporate self-insureds across a broad range of marine risks. We have represented domestic and international clients throughout Australia and offshore jurisdictions, including pursuing cross-border and subrogated recoveries against foreign vessel owners and manufacturers in the United States, China and India.
We have acted in matters involving:
- Hull and machinery claims, including total and constructive total loss
- Marine cargo claims, international carriage of cargo and freight forwarder related disputes
- Pollution and environmental matters arising from marine claims
- Coverage and indemnity disputes
- Property damage to pleasure craft, commercial vessels and marina facilities
- Business interruption losses with marine exposure
- Shipbuilding and repair defects and associated liability
- Ship arrests
- Tug boat, towage and salvage operations
- International container terminal incidents
- Cross-border and subrogated recoveries against vessel owners and NVOCCs
- Sale and procurement of vessels
- Regulatory investigations and coronial inquests
Our team has extensive experience in litigated matters and regularly engages specialist marine experts including naval architects, marine engineers, loss adjusters, diving consultants and marine safety specialists to ensure our clients receive the most comprehensive and practical advice available. We bring a strong commercial focus to every engagement, seeking cost-effective outcomes whether through negotiated settlement, mediation or contested proceedings.
Carter Newell is actively involved in the marine insurance community; practice leader Joseph Nicholls is currently serving as Secretary and committee member of the Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand (MLAANZ) NSW branch. He is also a member of the Sydney Marine Discussion Group and the Melbourne Marine Insurance Forum ensuring our practice remains connected to, and informed by, the latest developments in marine law and insurance both in Australia and internationally.
