English solicitor for GAFTA, FOSFA and LMAA arbitration
I act for traders, shipowners and charterers in English law disputes arising from international commodity trade and maritime contracts.
Selected matters
FOSFA appeal: damages reduced from $1.2M to $350K on force majeureFOSFA Board of Appeal
Established force majeure arising from the war in Ukraine in a $1.2M claim brought by a multinational. The appeal cut the recovery to $350,000.
Successful challenge to a GAFTA arbitration award in the Commercial CourtBlack Sea Commodities Ltd v Lemarc Agromond PTE Ltd [2021] EWHC 287 (Comm)
Advised Black Sea Commodities on a jurisdictional challenge to a GAFTA arbitration. The High Court set the award aside for want of jurisdiction.
Worldwide freezing order refused against client’s assetsTrans-Oil International SA v Savoy Trading LP, Ivan Melnykov [2020] EWHC 57 (Comm)
Advised Mr Melnykov in opposition to a worldwide freezing order application. The court refused to freeze the client’s assets.
I advise and represent clients in GAFTA, FOSFA and LMAA arbitrations arising from commodity trade and shipping
GAFTA Arbitration
Representation of buyers and sellers in arbitration under GAFTA rules — quality and default claims, Board of Appeal proceedings, enforcement of awards in England and abroad.
FOSFA Arbitration
Oils, fats and oilseeds disputes — force majeure, default clause, quality and quantity claims, appeals under the FOSFA Rules of Arbitration and Appeal.
LMAA Arbitration
Disputes under voyage and time charter parties — demurrage, deadfreight, detention, laycan and cancelling-clause issues. Arbitration under the LMAA Terms and Small Claims Procedure.
Cross-Border Recovery
Cargo damage, insurance, freight and force majeure claims under English-law commodity contracts. Pre-arbitration strategy and representation in foreign arbitral tribunals where required.
Work begins with a short review of the contract, correspondence and procedural deadlines. If the matter has merit, I propose a strategy and a phased budget — fixed fees for discrete tasks, hourly rates where the scope cannot be locked in advance.