Asialaw Profiles
The Guide to the legal markets of the Asia-Pacific

Barlow Lyde & Gilbert is well known in Hong Kong for its expertise in shipping and maritime, aviation, insurance and dispute resolution practices. The firm’s Hong Kong practice is especially strong on the aviation side, which is directed by veteran aerospace partner Peter Coles. Coles has over 13 years of experience in aviation, having worked in-house and in the private sector. One partner at a rival firm says: “Peter is very good. He truly loves the industry and is an absolute mastermind when it comes to aviation issues.”

In August 2011, Barlow Lyde & Gilbert announced a merger with fellow international shipping and maritime specialists Clyde & Co. The merger is planned for November 2011, when both firms will merge under the Clyde & Co name.

With three decades of experience in Hong Kong, Clyde & Co is known as a leader on shipping and maritime law. The firm’s other regional bases in Shanghai and Singapore gives it the advantage of operating in the key commercial port cities in Asia. Clyde & Co’s leading specialist litigation team for shipping issues handles collision issues and liability claims in addition to representing clients on a host of other matters.

The firm recently announced its intention to merge with Barlow Lyde & Gilbert. Barlow’s strong aviation practice will complement Clyde & Co’s shipping practice, and add new capabilities for the firm in this area.

Ince & Co’s greater China practice is strong on both the ship finance and ship litigation fronts. The firm is known for having the world’s premier shipping practice, and the China team lives up to this mantle. The eight partner team in Hong Kong and China is especially strong when it comes to casualty work, and the Hong Kong partners are particularly well respected for their prowess on contentious matters.

In early 2011, Hong Kong office partner Rosita Lau was appointed to the prestigious Hong Kong Maritime Industry Council by the Hong Kong Government.

Mayer Brown JSM fields a robust team in Hong Kong, with Alastair MacAulay heading the shipping department and Richard Stock heading the aviation practice. McAulay’s shipping practice is well known and often acts for major Chinese financial institutions in ship financings, purchases and leasebacks. The shipping group also advises on special purpose vehicles with ship assets and the restructuring of shipping companies.

Stock’s aircraft practice specialises in aircraft purchasing for carriers, and also advises financial entities on aircraft leasing. The firm’s clients include Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, Air Hong Kong, Air Pacific, AerCap, ICBC Financial Leasing, Banc of America Leasing, Macquarie AirFinance, BNPP and other financial and leasing institutions. The firm also advises on a host of aviation matters above and beyond just financings.

Richards Butler Reed Smith has a well established shipping practice in Hong Kong, which encompasses a range of shipping related issues such as litigation to arbitration to joint ventures and financing.

In July 2011, Hong Kong partner Andrew Brown advised China Shipping Development on its cross border joint venture with Japanese shipping company Mitsui OSK to buy four LNG carriers. According to the terms of the JV, the carriers will be built by Chinese state owned Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding Group.