Claims, Disputes and Litigation

LOC is able to provide multidisciplinary technical advice and expertise at all stages of the marine claims and disputes process. This can range from evaluation of the technical aspects of a claim to establish whether or not the claim is reasonable and/or can be substantiated, to provision of technical support, expertise and advice to assist in the resolution of disputed claims or allegations, and ultimately to the provision of expert witnesses for matters which culminate in litigation proceedings at High Court or at Arbitration.

A significant number of our personnel have given both oral and written expert evidence and testimony at litigation proceedings in the world’s major maritime centres. We have also provided expert evidence at Formal Enquiries, for governments as well as for private and commercial clients, and have been retained in this respect on a significant number of high profile enquiries into maritime casualties and disasters.

Subject matter for this aspect of our services is obviously very wide ranging, covering practically all aspects of the marine business. In addition to the claims, disputes and litigations which arise from marine accidents and casualties (Marine Casualties) we are often instructed in other non-casualty related matters, such as charter party disputes, seaworthiness issues and new build, conversion and repair disputes.

The main areas of our work in claims, disputes and litigation are as follows:

• Total Loss
• Salvage and Wreck Removal
• Collisions
• Marine Pollution
• Cargo Damage
• Hull and Machinery
• Fixed Object Damage
• Unsafe Berths and Ports
• Slow Steaming
• Navigation
• New buildings, conversions and vessel repair
• Bunkers and Oils
• Oil shortage