Transport
Birketts LLP’s shipping team, recognised for its expertise in contentious shipping matters, represents charterers, shipowners, and commodities companies in both wet and dry disputes. The team, based across Ipswich, Bristol, and London, has a strong presence in international markets, with instructions stemming from the US, Latin America, and Africa, amongst others. Henry Adams, whose expertise encompasses marine insurance and dry shipping, leads the team jointly with Alex Davey, who also heads up the firm’s litigation department. Alex Penberthy and Clarissa Dumolo joined from legacy firm Ince & Co in September 2023.
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Profile
Work Department
Shipping, Transport
Position
Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution
Career
Alex joined Birketts in 2005. He is a Partner in our Shipping and International Trade Team and is Head of the Dispute Resolution Division.
Alex specialises in all aspects of shipping, transport and international trade work as well as a broad range of general commercial dispute resolution including reinsurance and insurance disputes, and aviation and professional indemnity work. He advises ship-owners, charterers, insurers, P&I Clubs, freight forwarders, logistics companies and all those involved with the movement of goods. Prior to joining Birketts, he worked for six years at Ince & Co.
Alex chairs and speaks at the Lloyds Maritime Academy courses on 'Time Charters,' 'Maritime Law,'and 'Marine Cargo claims.' He is author of various modules for the Informa Professional Academy self study courses on Time, Voyage and Tanker Charterparties. Before studying law, Alex obtained a degree in engineering from Durham University. Alex is a keen yacht and dinghy sailor and a qualified RYA Yachtmaster. In 2004 he sailed around the British Isles and Ireland from Ipswich with his wife and father-in-law before spending some time living and teaching English in Sri Lanka and in Sichuan province in China.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘A specific team within Birketts, provides value for money and a very efficient and prompt service, superior to its competitors.’
‘Well-rounded and experienced team who are available round the clock to provide advice when needed.’
‘Alex Penberthy and Daniel Crockford stand out in my view for their exceptional customer service, prompt response and quality of service and advice.’
‘Tom Hodges - easy to work with and keen to go the extra mile to provide the best legal support. Not afraid to get into the detail and tackly thorny legal issues.’
‘Excellent specialist knowledge, friendly and approachable, good value for money.’
‘Alex Penberthy is my go-to lawyer in England & Wales. Reports very clear and comprehensive. Trustworthy with matters of any size.’
Key clients
- U-Ming Marine Transport Singapore Pte Ltd
- Atlantis International Service NV
- Filhet-Allard Maritime
- Tradhol Internacional
- Diot-SIACI
- Total Energies Trading and Shipping SA
- HDI Global SE
- Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
- Kolmar Group AG
- Barbuss Global
- Sunderland Marine
- Arc Legal Group
- Navigators & General
- International General Insurance (IGI)
- Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA)
- Zurich
- Millstream Underwriting Limited & Nexus Europe SAS UK Branch
- Gallagher UK
- Nautical Insurance Services
- Tokio Marine
- Osprey Shipping Ltd
- Noble Marine
Work highlights
Advising and guiding U-Ming Transport Marine Transport Pte Ltd, in respect of a cargo being detained in Latvia due to allegations it belonged to a sanctioned individual.
Successfully represented Atlantis International in a High Court action concerning the applicable York-Antwerp Rules in CONGENBILL 1994.
Representing Hull & Machinery insurers in an ongoing High Court claim concerning carriage of a dangerous cargo which is alleged to have resulted in the sinking of the vessel.