The 36 Group is widely recognised for its depth of expertise in maritime law and arbitration, with additional strengths in insurance disputes and contractual matters arising from bills of lading and contracts of affreightment. Vasanti Selvaratnam KC recently appeared before the Supreme Court in MUR Shipping BV v RTI Ltd, a case which clarified the application of force majeure clauses, after the purchaser of a shipment of bauxite proposed to pay in Euros rather than US dollars. Mark Jones also acted before the Supreme Court in Herculito Maritime Ltd v Gunvor International BV, a key decision examining liability issues arising from Somali pirate attacks. Andrew Ng appeared in the Supreme Court of Gibraltar in a matter addressing the scope of liability limitation in maritime claims, acting for Oldstone Cargo Limited. Charles Debattista was instructed in Stouranas Stylianos Monoprosopi v Maersk, a use concerning the description of goods on bills of lading after the buyers of scrap metal sought to bring an action against the carriers of a cargo of cement tiles were fraudulently labelled as scrap metal.
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Profile
Work Department
36 Stone
Position
Vasanti Selvaratnam KC is a senior Silk practising as Counsel and International Arbitrator within 36 Stone and joint head of Chambers of The 36 Group from 2018 to 2023.
Her practice embraces all aspects of international commercial litigation and arbitration, including shipping (wet, dry and shipbuilding), commodities, banking and finance, conflict of law and jurisdiction disputes, all forms of interim urgent relief, including freezing orders and anti-suit injunctions, and civil fraud. She is particularly noted for her user friendly hands-on approach to cases and for her ability quickly to get to grips with disputes raising complex factual and technical issues which require a sound grasp of expert evidence and mastery of detail.
As Counsel
Clients include the major P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers and salvors as well as large commercial organisations involved in commercial court litigation or international commercial arbitration in non-shipping matters.
Recent notable cases include; The Alexandra 1 (2021), the leading case in the Supreme Court on the scope of the Crossing Rule in the International Collision Regulations; Rubicon Vantage v KrisEnergy [2019] EWHC 2012 (Comm), the first reported case to consider a hybrid guarantee which is part "on demand" and part "see to it" and the role of the Marubeni principle in relation to construction of the scope of the "on demand" portion of the guarantee; Emirates Trading Agency LLC v PMEPL [2014] 2 Lloyd’s Rep 457, regarding friendly discussions clause a condition precedent to right to commence arbitration; she is appearing in the Supreme Court in RTI v MUR, an important case on the meaning of reasonable endeavours in a force majeure clause in the context of sanctions against Russia and currency of payment.
As Arbitrator:
Vasanti Selvaratnam KC has significant experience of dispute resolution in both a judicial and quasi-judicial capacity. She was appointed a Recorder in 1999, is an accredited mediator, and receives regular appointments to act as an arbitrator across a wide range of industry sectors, including but not limited to shipping and international trade disputes.
She accepts appointments under all the major industry rules, including LCIA, ICC, LMAA, LOF, SCMA, SIAC, HKIAC and UNCITRAL and has particular expertise in cases raising complex technical issues as well as novel or difficult points on assessment of damages.
Recent arbitrations include; Chair of an LCIA Panel relation to disputes under contract relating to the sale of crude oil. Chair of an ICC Panel relating to contractual disputes governed by Iraq law concerning removal of unexploded materials at Basrah port. Sole arbitrator in an UNCITRAL governed dispute relating to disputes under a guarantee (appointed by the LCIA). Co-arbitrator in an ICC India law governed and seated matter in the pharmaceutical sector. Numerous LOF appointments by Lloyds Salvage Arbitration Branch, including an ongoing matter which involves the largest LOF fund since records began. Numerous LMAA party appointments, including by well-known oil and commodity traders.
Her expertise was acknowledged again when she was announced as the highest ranked member of the UK Bar to feature in ‘All About Shipping’s Top 100 women in shipping for 2019’; a list of remarkable women who have substantially contributed to the international maritime industry over the years. She has been shortlisted by Legal 500 as Shipping Silk of the Year 2023.
Career
Called 1983 Middle Temple; Recorder 2000-2018; Queen’s Counsel 2001. Bencher of Middle Temple. Joint Head of The 36 Group 2019.
Languages
Working knowledge French
Memberships
ICC, LCIA, COMBAR, BMLA, LMAA (supporting), LSLC (head of education sub-committee), ICCA, SIAC Panel Member; SCMA Panel Member; HKIAC Panel Member.
Education
St Augustine’s Priory Ealing; King’s College, London (1982 LLB; 1984 LLM Hons 1st).
Content supplied by The 36 Group
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks are responsive and easy to work with. Reiss Nott and Sam Medlock deserve particular recognition.'
- 'The 36 Group demonstrates notable strength-in-depth, particularly in maritime law and arbitration. Its barristers are highly experienced and offer a broad range of expertise across maritime disputes, including charterparty issues, ship arrest, and international trade.'
- 'The set consistently delivers high-quality advocacy and advice, making it a dependable choice for complex maritime and arbitration matters.'
- 'I have instructed Chambers for over 20 years and can say with complete confidence that they continue to produce dynamic, highly skilled barristers with an exceptional command of the law and strong commercial insight.'
- 'Their barristers are not only technically excellent but also strategically astute—able to anticipate and navigate complex challenges with clarity, confidence, and precision. The standard of advocacy, both written and oral, is consistently first-rate, and their grasp of industry-specific nuances sets them apart.'
- 'This is a Chambers that cultivates excellence. They remain my first port of call for high-stakes, commercially sensitive matters.'
- '36 Stone is a set I genuinely enjoy working with. While they are well known for their expertise in shipping and international trade, they bring considerable depth and capability across a wide spectrum of commercial work.'
- '36 Stone is excellent, offering strength and depth across all levels of seniority.'