Top 10 Pioneering Shipping Lawyers Transforming Maritime Law in South Africa 2023

Business Today recently wrote that South Africa is a significant player in the global shipping industry, and this is in part due to the country’s pool of legal experts in the field. From well-established, experienced veterans to fresh, innovative practitioners, the South African legal landscape is teeming with professionals specialising in maritime law. They handle a wide range of areas, including shipping disputes and casualties, maritime insurance, charter party agreements, and admiralty and cargo claims, to mention a few. Business Today’s post explored some of the most notable shipping lawyers in South Africa, providing insights into their achievements, specialisms and the law firms they represent.

Equipped with extensive maritime knowledge and years of legal practice, these selected lawyers have made significant contributions in shaping the landscape of South African maritime law. They have consistently delivered exceptional services to their clients, which include prominent shipping companies, financial institutions and maritime insurers.

Business Today named two of our lawyers in that top ten, Andrew Robinson and Malcolm Hartwell, as accomplished shipping lawyers who continue to make waves in the shipping industry with their unparalleled expertise and dedication to the field.

Andrew Robinson was lauded by Business Today as having established himself as one of South Africa’s leading shipping law specialists, particularly for his significant contributions to insurance work within the industry. He holds vast knowledge in legislative changes and charter party-related mandates.

Malcolm Hartwell leads the shipping team at Norton Rose Fulbright from its Durban office. Business Today wrote that with a wealth of experience in the field, he skilfully manages casualty and recovery mandates, in addition to other crucial areas such as arrests, groundings and collisions.

Congratulations to Andrew and Malcolm, who together with our Transport team keep on shaping the future of Maritime Law in South Africa.