Gjelsten Herlofsen Advokatfirma AS

Maritime law. Shipping, offshore and energy law.

Gaute Gjelsten has more than 25 years of experience specialising in international shipping, offshore, marine, energy, and insurance law.

He has handled numerous significant claims arising from marine and offshore casualties, including matters involving jurisdiction, choice of law, limitation of liability, and limitation fund proceedings. He also represents private-sector clients in major marine recourse actions against the Norwegian State. In addition, he advises and acts for Nordic and international insurers on a broad range of insurance matters, including hull and machinery (H&M), war risks, loss of hire (LOH), cargo, charterers' liability, general liability, and P&I insurance.

Gaute has extensive experience with complex offshore and onshore claims involving construction all risks (CAR) and operational policies, reinsurance matters, and coverage disputes within the energy sector.

He has substantial litigation experience before the Norwegian courts and in arbitration proceedings and is admitted to appear before the Norwegian Supreme Court.

In June 2025, Gaute was appointed by the Norwegian Government to chair a Law Committee tasked with reviewing existing maritime legislation and proposing amendments to reflect developments in the industry, including digitalisation, the green transition, and evolving safety standards.

Gaute is widely recognised as one of Norway's leading offshore and shipping lawyers. He is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers and Partners and recognised as a "Recommended Individual" by The Legal 500.

2022 - Present: Partner, Gjelsten Herlofsen Advokatfirma AS

2005 - 2022: Partner, Wikborg Rein, Oslo

2003 - 2004: Senior Associate, Wikborg Rein, Oslo

2000 - 2002: Japan Representative, Wikborg Rein, Kobe, Japan

2000 - 2002: Norwegian Consul-General, Kobe/Osaka, Japan

1998 - 1999: Associate, Wikborg Rein, Oslo/London

1995 - 1997: Lecturer on contract, sale of goods and administrative law, University of Oslo

1994 - 1995: Research assistant, Institute of Private Law, University of Oslo

English

Norwegian Bar Association  

2000 Practicing Certificate

1997 Cand. Jur. at University of Oslo