Frequently sought after by shipowners, governments, and marine insurance underwriters, Wintell & Co Law Firm provides a comprehensive shipping offering encompassing advice on collisions, oil pollution, marine insurance, and financial disputes. The team is spearheaded by Mervyn Chen from the Shanghai office, who specialises in complex commercial litigation and transactions, as well as advising on both wet and dry shipping claims. With a background as a master mariner and former Vice President of Shanghai Maritime University, Cunqiang Cai is reputed for his expertise in collision, grounding, and pollution disputes. James Hu is well-versed in grounding, salvage, and wreck removal, as well as maritime commercial claims arising from cargo transport.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Wintell & Co. is a leading law firm in China’s shipping industry, distinguished by its deep sector expertise, innovative dispute resolution strategies, and client-centric approach.'
'The firm has expertly managed complex legal risks for our company, delivering timely and practical solutions that align with our commercial objectives.'
'The firm's exceptional legal knowledge, proactive problem-solving capability, and commitment to meet our needs and foster long-term partnership set them apart as a trusted partner in handling our legal challenges.’
‘We primarily work with Mervyn Chen who demonstrates exceptional expertise in PRC shipping laws and regulations. Their in-depth knowledge of recent case precedents provides valuable guidance in managing our company’s legal disputes within the shipping industry.'
'The team is able to protect our interests, leverage their understanding of PRC laws, particularly in shipping and port operations, and deliver proactive, timely, and tailored responses to our needs and requests.’
Work highlights
Representing the interests of M/T "New Bright" after her explosion and fire at Changshu, China, on 21 Dec. 2023, providing all the legal services throughout, including but not limited to negotiating with the claimants, assisting crew members on-site, and dealing with the complicated issues with the MSA and Customs, and other relevant local authorities.
Representing the interests of the Panamanian general cargo vessel MV “Sea Justice” after her collision with the anchored Liberian oil tanker MT “A Symphony” in dense fog, off Qingdao port, China in April 2021, including to provide all the legal services throughout, to set up the limitation fund for maritime claims for MV “Sea Justice”, to defend all the claims issued as against MV “Sea Justice”, and to deal with the complicated issues with the MSA.
Advising BYD Company Limited on the building of four vessels of 9,200 CEU Dual Fuel PCTC and two vessels of 7,000 CEU Dual Fuel PCTC.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Mervyn Chen
Other key lawyers
Zhenfei Dong; Cunqiang Cai; James Hu