Dispute resolution
Wikborg Rein’s shipping team is experienced in emergency response and casualty work, including sanctions-related vessel issues and matters such as bills of lading and marine insurance. Chris Grieveson leads the team, specialising in pollution incidents and complex transactional disputes. Michael Volikas advises on charterparties, shipbuilding contracts, and marine insurance, while Ian Chetwood handles ship repair claims, cargo disputes, salvage, and collisions. Fanos Theophani recently joined the firm.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Offshore, English Law, Corporate Criminal Liability, Investigation and Crisis Management, International Trade, Dispute Resolution, Contract Law and Construction, Maritime and Offshore Emergency Response, Oil and Gas, ESG, compliance and risk management, Insurance Law ,Trade Compliance and Sanctions, Shipping
Position
Chris is a Managing Partner at Wikborg Rein's London office and is an English Solicitor. Chris specialises in shipping, oil & gas, and commodity trading law. Shipping He has extensive experience of all aspects of shipping law (both globally and especially within Asia having lived and worked there for 12 years). He has been involved in handling some of the world’s major casualties and pollution incidents. Chris regularly advises shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs and traders on all aspects of carriage of goods, charterparty and marine insurance law. Chris also has extensive experience of shipbuilding and S&P disputes. Offshore In the offshore industry Chris advises operators and contractors in the drafting and negotiation of proposed contracts; handling claims and disputes concerning contractual performance; accidents; and claims under insurance policies. His experience includes all aspects of the industry from the initial bid and tender process through commissioning, and in-field operation. He has acted for all sectors of the industry including EPC and EPCI contractors, drilling contractors, FPSO/FLNG operators, accommodation rig providers, supply boat /barge operators, and oilfield service contractors. Trading Chris’ trading experience includes advising commodities traders, especially metals, coal and oil traders with their sale and purchase arrangements, particularly for long term off take contracts and disputes. Chris has handled numerous disputes for traders arising out of delays, force majeure, quality issues and letter of credit problems. Commercial Fraud Chris has extensive expertise of acting in civil fraud claims in the shipping and offshore industry including asset tracing, he has particular expertise in cases involving Russia, the CIS, China, Indonesia and Vietnam as well as Europe. Compliance and Crisis Management Chris has significant experience advising clients on compliance, regulatory and investigations in the Marine Sector. In particular, he has been extensively involved in anti-bribery and corporate crisis management including the conduct of internal investigations and the handling of criminal law consequences and civil disputes triggered by potential misconduct.
Career
2018 – Managing Partner, Wikborg Rein, London
2013 – Partner, Wikborg Rein, London
2010 – 2012 Partner, Wikborg Rein, Singapore
1997 – 2010 Partner (from 2006), Ince & Co, London and Singapore
Education
1994 – 1995 Poitiers
1992 – 1996 MA (Law), University of Cambridge
Content supplied by Wikborg Rein
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is very strong, with responses received quickly when necessary. Collaboration between members is excellent, and everyone is well informed of both the cases and the client’s needs and particularities.'
- 'The team is incredibly knowledgeable and commercial, always seeking the best client outcomes.'
- 'The firm’s strength lies in its people, with deep expertise in shipping, responsiveness, and meticulous attention to detail.'
- 'This firm stands out in the shipping sector, particularly within LNG, for combining deep legal expertise with a highly commercial and solutions-oriented mindset. They offer an integrated and proactive approach, often acting as long-term partners rather than external counsel.'
- 'Their consistency, attention to detail, and ability to manage matters from start to finish build confidence and foster trusted relationships. The team understands both the law and the operational and commercial imperatives driving LNG shipping and charter arrangements, providing clarity, commitment, and consistently high-quality results.'
- 'Michael Volikas is a unique lawyer with superb legal knowledge. He is always very calm and pragmatic, with strong commercial acumen. He is available almost at all times and knows how to manage the business’ legal needs. He has the gift of being able to anticipate developments and possesses a holistic view of a case. One should feel very confident in Michael’s capable hands.'
- 'Very commercially-minded advice, which is in alignment with the Greek ship owing clientele.'
Key clients
- MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.
- Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd (EPS)
- Navios (Navios Maritime Partners, Navios Tankers Management & Navios South American Logistics)
- P&I Clubs (Britannia, Gard, NorthStandard, London Club, Skuld, UK P&I, West)
- TMS Group (TMS Tankers, Cardiff Marine & TMS Cardiff Gas)
- Maersk
- Naftomar
- Cyprus Sea Lines S.A.
- Delta Tankers Limited
- Costamare Shipping Company S.A.
Work highlights
Advising Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation on the containership YM Mobility explosion in Ningbo, China, managing emergency response, regulatory negotiations, casualty claims, and recovery actions against HMM while defending global cargo claims.
Advised Flex LNG on a 15-year time charter for LNG carrier Flex Constellation with JERA, navigating the transition to the new ShellLNGTime 2.1 form and securing long-term revenue stability in this strategic partnership.
Representing TMS Tankers and Gard (Greece), manager of the oil product tanker Burri, in a Suez Canal collision with LNG carrier BW Lesmes, navigating liability disputes and expert evidence.