Boutique shipping firm Gjelsten Herlofsen Advokatfirma AS is adept at shipping litigation and marine insurance, fielding a team noted for ‘in-depth knowledge of the commercial aspects relevant and important to their clients’. Gaute Gjelsten has long-standing experience in supporting clients on claims arising out of marine and offshore casualties. Seasoned litigator and arbitrator Frithjof Herlofsen is a name of note for shipping and marine insurance disputes. The two head up the practice. Christian Bjørtuft Ellingsen adds expertise in shipbuilding projects, while Børge Alsvik is an active advisor on shipping disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Gaute Gjelsten is a shipping litigation expert with significant experience handling claims following marine casualties (such as pollution and limitation issues), offshore and marine insurance claims and issues related to private international law (jurisdiction and choice of law).’
- ‘Frithjof Herlofsen is unmatched as a maritime litigator in Norway. I value his practical and down-to-earth approach to cases enormously, and the ability to understand what is important and what is not worth fighting.’
- ‘The boutique firm has now established itself as perhaps the number one shipping law firm in Norway for 'wet work' and litigation. It's a personal follow-up of matters, broad competence despite being a small firm, and its international network provides first-class service.’
- ‘Frithjof Herlofsen and Gaute Gjelsten are best in class - unsurpassed experience, dedication and intellectual capacity. Finally, they also have a great sense of humour.’
- ‘Outstanding boutique, unsurpassed experience and complementary skills.’
- ‘Frithjof Herlofsen, Gaute Gjelsten and Christian Bjørtuft Ellingensen all provide precise, efficient and practical legal advice which enables the client to understand the risks, evaluate the commercial position and negotiate an outcome which ensures business continuity together with a satisfactory outcome. All are highly experienced in negotiations as well as litigation, with dry shipping, as well as insurance.’
Key clients
- Assuranceforeningen Gard (Gard P & I)
- Assuranceforeningen Skuld (Skuld P & I)
- Alandia Insurance
- Norwegian Hull Club
- If Insurance
- Norsk Hydro ASA
- Yara International ASA
- Markel Marine & Energy Insurance
- Ray Car Carriers
- Zurich Insurance
- Torghatten ASA
Work highlights
Acted for Yara International ASA and its cargo insurers in a major cargo damage case before the Norwegian courts.
Represented owners and managers of the MV "Galaxy Leader" (Ray Car Carriers/Galaxy Maritime Limited/Stamco Ship Management) in a legal action before the Norwegian courts relating to war risk loss of hire under an insurance taken out with Codan Insurance.
Represents Norwegian ferry owner and operator Torghatten and its insurers Skuld (P&I) and Alandia Insurance (H&M) in a dispute concerning a fire on a vessel undergoing modifications at a Norwegian yard.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Gaute Gjelsten; Frithjof Herlofsen
Other key lawyers
Christian Bjørtuft Ellingsen; Børge Alsvik