Chris is a leading transport and trade lawyer with extensive experience in shipping, international trade, land-based logistics and the insurance that underpins the industry.
Chris has practised in London, Hong Kong and Sydney, including time in-house with a ship management company and P&I insurer.
Chris’ experience ensures a deep understanding of all aspects of the international logistics industry and supply chain. Chris advises corporates and insurers on the transport and supply of goods globally, covering both contractual and regulatory advice and the resolution of disputes arising out of carriage.
Chris is described as 'a very good operator and pragmatic', 'very knowledgeable' and having 'a great understanding of what matters to our business'. (Chambers Asia & Pacific 2026)
'Chris is very knowledgeable, he has a great understanding of what matters to our business and is always willing to assist.'
Chambers Asia-Pacific Guide 2026
Experience
Chris’ contentious and non-contentious practice covers the following areas:
- Shipping and transport: advising shipowners, charterers and cargo interests on disputes arising out of the carriage of goods by sea, land and air.
- Marine insurance: representing Australia’s leading marine insurers of cargo, hull, marine liabilities and pleasurecraft on coverage issues and subrogated recoveries.
- Road carriage and logistics: advising Australian logistics providers on commercial contraction, regulation, Heavy Vehicle National Law and disputes.
- Government: advising state and local government departments on procurement and operation of marine assets.
- Marine injury claims: advising insurers on marine injury claims whether they be passengers, crew or third parties and occurring on vessels, wharfs or in ports.
- Pleasurecraft: representing pleasurecraft insurers, builders, designers and owners in relation to claims, collisions, commercial disputes and contracting.
- LNG and projects: advising owners and operators of vessels involved in LNG and other projects on all regulatory issues arising out of importation and operation of vessels in Australian waters.
- Commodities: advising commodity traders on disputes arising out of international sale and carriage of goods.
- Sanctions: advising on the Australian sanctions regime, permit applications and investigations by the Australian Sanctions Office.
- Commercial litigation and arbitration: litigating regularly in the Supreme and Federal Courts as well as ACICA, LMAA, GAFTA and ICC arbitrations.
Transport and Trade
Chris is a leading transport and trade lawyer with extensive experience in international trade and marine insurance having practiced in London, Hong Kong and Sydney.
Chris has a deep understanding of the transport and logistics industry in Australia. He is regularly instructed by logistics companies and their insurers to advise on commercial contracting and regulation as well as disputes and incidents. His contentious and non-contentious experience allows him identify risks and provide thoughtful and tailored advice to our transport and logistics clients.
Chris is described as "a very good operator and pragmatic" and "very knowledgeable" and having "a great understanding of what matters to our business" (Chambers Asia & Pacific 2026)
- Advising Australian logistics company on drafting of standard terms and conditions in the context of the Australian Consumer Law and Unfair Contract Terms Regime.
- Advice on the Heavy Vehicle National Law, statutory obligations and contract clauses appropriate to mitigate exposure.
- Advising logistics provider on the licencing requirements for the transportation of high loads in NSW.
- Advising Australian logistics company on various customer contracts, risk reviews and drafting advice.
- Defending various liability claims brought against road carriers arising out of truck roll overs, fires, negligent packing, thefts and delay.
- Advising an Australian logistics provider on defence of claims in excess of AUD$3 million arising out of supply chain, packing, picking and manifest errors in relation to the storage and distribution of clothing across Australia.
- Advising multimodal logistics provider on claims in excess of $5 million in respect of flood damaged goods following sprinkler pipe failure at their cold store.
- Advising Australian logistics company on the exercise of liens over cargo and enforcement of contractual rights with regard to customers and suppliers.
- Advising international carrier of home contents on the legislative restrictions on the sale of insurance products and the handling of claims.
Best Lawyers in Australia
Shipping & Maritime Law and Transportation Law | 2020-2027
Chambers and Partners Asia-Pacific
Shipping | 2022-2026
The Legal 500 Asia Pacific
Transport: shipping (Leading Partner) | 2025,2026
Transport: shipping and Insurance | 2023, 2025
Transport: shipping | 2024
Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession
Australian Admiralty, Shipping & Maritime Lawyers | 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026
Transport Law | 2023
Who's Who Legal: Australia & New Zealand
Shipping | 2022
- Shipping Australia Ltd
- Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand