Experience
Michael’s work on dry shipping matters is primarily related to disputes arising under contracts of carriage, in particular in charterparty and bill of lading disputes, as well as assisting in non-contentious matters, such as contract / bespoke clause drafting. He also has experience in the sale and purchase of vessels, advising on sale / purchase contracts and disputes which arise between parties.
His marine insurance practice is broad, principally acting on behalf of cargo insurers in coverage and recovery claims, and general average disputes. His experience with contracts of carriage is a useful complement to the insurance disputes that he handles. Michael has handled a variety of marine insurance disputes, including a number of cargo contamination claims and piracy (and more recently, Houthi) related matters. He has also assisted insurance clients in non-contentious matters advising on the interpretation of standard and bespoke clauses.
Michael has regularly advised clients in relation to the effects of international sanctions on the shipping industry. He has worked with clients on the impact of cyber related requirements entering the marine industry and is also closely following the development of autonomous shipping.
Michael has represented clients in these matters pursuant to various different types of arbitrations (with particular experience in LMAA, ICC and LCIA arbitrations), and in the High Court and Court of Appeal. He has particular experience working with the German and Asian markets, with particular focus in Japan, China and Singapore (spending some time working in Singapore). He has a Masters in International Maritime Law and a Masters in Advanced Legal Drafting from Swansea University.
Testimonials
Next Generation Partner, 2021 - 2025
“Michael Biltoo is a tireless worker and can handle any claim that you throw at him.” – The Legal 500, 2020
"Michael Biltoo is noted for his proficiency in contentious dry shipping work, as well as advising on vessel sales and charterparty contracts." – The Legal 500, 2024
Recent cases
- Acting for charterers in their dispute with owners following unseaworthiness of the vessel and subsequent termination of the multiple contracts between the parties, giving rise to multi-jurisdictional disputes.
- Acting for charterers in relation to disputes arising with owners following the grounding of the chartered vessel, giving rise to off-hire and damages’ claims.
- Advising and giving English legal advice to overseas counsel on behalf of cargo insurers concerning a Houthi attack in the Red Sea.
- Advising and representing various vessel owners in relation to issues arising from the 2016 Hanjin Shipping bankruptcy, the largest bankruptcy in shipping history.
- Advising and representing various vessel interests following the collapse of OW Bunker in 2015, resulting in a significant number of disputes arising between parties in the shipping industry.
- Representing cargo insurers in respect of Somalian piracy of a vessel in the Indian Ocean which led to one of the largest ransoms paid at the time.
- Glencore Energy (UK) Ltd V Sonol Israel Ltd (The "Team Anmaj") [2011] – Successfully had a seller’s demurrage claim struck out on the basis of being time barred. The High Court affirmed that an obligation to pay demurrage did so day by day pro rata from the moment when the lay days expired, thus starting the time running for limitation, rather than from when the sellers had invoiced the buyers.