STUART SHEPHERD LAW
Commodities and Shipping
What we do
Commodity Trading
We advise on the myriad problems that can arise in the course of the performance of your trading contracts, whether they arise out of shipment and delivery, quality, documentary presentation , finance and payment, force majeure or any other issues which get in the way of the satisfactory completion of your trading transactions.
Shipping
Physical trading of bulk commodities requires moving goods from A to B; normally by a ship which is chartered by either the buyer or the seller and carried under contracts of carriage with the carrier; usually evidenced by bills of lading. We advise on the full range of issues arising our of any form of charterparty and those relating to bills of lading. In particular we can help you navigate through the complications arising from shipping casualties.
Trade Finance
Many commodity trades are financed by letter of credit. The importance of the timely provision of documentary credits are often overlooked and complications arise when the buyer fails to provide the LC on time. Issues also often arise with LC banks in relation to alleged discrepancies. We are experienced in advising in relation to various problems arising out of the LC financing of commodity trades.
Commodity Arbitration
If it is necessary to refer a dispute to any form of arbitration we can both advise you on and represent you in that arbitration. Stuart has considerable experience of the many forms of commodity and shipping arbitrations including GAFTA, FOSFA, LMAA, SIAC, ICC and LCIA arbitration.