Experience
Mark has worked in Marine Insurance and "wet" marine work acting for global cargo and hull insurers since qualifying over 30 years ago.
Coverage issues included cargo issues arising from misappropriation and transit losses. Mark also regularly advises the global marine insurance market on policy wordings (including Cargo and Subsea).
A substantial part of Mark's practice includes subrogation and recovery actions arising from Carriage of goods both multi-modally and by sea (including commodities, project cargo, bulk and containerised cargoes).
Mark has handled major vessel and cargo incidents, including the "MSC Napoli", "MSC Flaminia", and "Maersk Honam". In addition, Mark has worked on multiple cases involving Gulf of Aden and West African Piracy and more recently red sea attacks such as the "Groton" and "Sounion".
Mark's practice is multi-jurisdictional including liaising with lawyers, insurers, recovery agents, salvors and surveyors globally, with a historical focus on Asia.
Mark is experienced in UK Court actions and LMAA and LOF/ Salvage arbitrations
Memberships
- Mark is Chairman of the Admiralty Solicitors Group (ASG), a Director of Maritime London and Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights.
- Mark has also spoken regularly at the ICIC Cargo Conference, LISW, CMI and IUMI.
Testimonials
- “He is an excellent lawyer. He is easy to talk to and communicate with, and underwriters really like him. He is a fantastic lawyer, and his strategic thinking is brilliant.” Legal 500 2025
- “He possesses a unique way of handling cases and gets the right result for his client through hard work and dedication.” Legal 500 2025
Recent cases
- Bayview Motors Ltd v Mitsui Marine and Fire Insurance Company Ltd and Others [2002] EWHC 21 (Comm)
- Acting for Cargo insurers before the High Court and Court of Appeal under an all risks 1/1/63 ICC Policy considering issues of Confiscation and seizure and the insured transit.
- Engelhart CTP v Lloyds Syndicate 1221 for the 2014 year of Account and Others [2018] EWHC 900 (Comm)
- Acting for successful cargo insurers on coverage issues arising under ICC (A) 1/1/09 and the American Institute Clauses 32B-10. In particular considering the concealed damage clause, containersclause and fraudulent documents clause and issues surrounding attachment of risk.
- Tanga Pharmaceuticals Plastics Ltd v Emirates Shipping Line FZE (The MV " ALION") [2025] EWHC 368 (Comm)
- Acting for successful cargo claimants on a summary judgment application by Carriers considering issues under the Hague Rules Article III Rules 6 and 8 and interaction with the Bill of Lading terms.
- Multiple LMAA and LOF/Salvage Arbitrations including:
Alina II
MSC Flaminia
Sirius Star
Maran Centaurus
Asian Glory
Savina Caylyn
Maersk Honam
New Diamond
Yantian Express
Recent major salvage operations including:
Groton
Sounion