The 'very dedicated and service minded' team at ENSafrica handles complex shipping, aviation, and port matters. Practice head Michael Tucker specialises in shipping and admiralty law, focusing on liability, defence disputes, and marine insurance. Tony Norton acts for vessel owners, charterers, P&I clubs, and insurers in shipping disputes, and Jacqui Kaufmann focuses on maritime claims in the High Court. Pippa Reyburn is notably adept in public procurement, while John Ferraz boasts experience in rail and road transport, including commodity and commuter agreements. Thomas Henstra and Trishmika Ghazi are also key contacts in the department.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Sector knowledge
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Their understanding of technical legal points, the need to identify the key issues quickly, and knowing the financial impact that lost time has on a shipowner, is vitally important in this sector.'
- ‘Jacqui Kaufmann and Michael Tucker are a formidable team that can assess an issue and provide the best advice in dealing with claims, no matter how big or small.'
- ‘Michael Tucker is always helpful and easy to discuss relevant matters with.’
- ‘What makes this practice truly unique is the combination of deep legal expertise, commercial awareness, and an unwavering commitment to client service. The team consistently demonstrates an exceptional understanding not only of the shipping legal landscape but also of the business and regulatory context in which we operate.'
- ‘The individuals we work with stand out for their deep expertise, commercial awareness, and consistent professionalism. They combine technical excellence with a pragmatic, solutions-focused approach that truly sets them apart from competitors. What we value most is their responsiveness, clarity in communication, and willingness to engage collaboratively.'
- ‘Knowledge, appreciation, and anticipation of clients needs.'
Key clients
- Bonanza Schiffahrtgesellschaft MBH & CO, KG
- Fortysixth Phoenix Shipping Inc.
- Sociedade de Desenvolvimento do Port de Maputo S.A.R.L
- Terminal de Carvao da Matola Limitada
- Group Risk Mutual Limited
- Korea Shipping Corporation
- Korea Tonnage No.27 Shipping Company
- Owners of mv SEVGI
- American P&I Club
- Assuranceforeningen Skuld and their Chinese member
- Mv YANTZE JEWEL
- NS Qingdao Shipping Co Ltd
Work highlights
Advising the owners of the “Ultra Galaxy” and P&I insurers NorthStandard on vessel’s grounding on the West Coast of South Africa in heavy weather, and all related aspects regarding the casualty.
Acting for Prime Paradise International Limited in a dispute around the ownership of the “Marvin Star” (the Vessel) in which transfer of ownership of the vessel was fraudulent; this claim is in the range of USD23m.
Advising Korea Shipping Corporation (the bareboat charterers) and Korea Tonnage No.27 Shipping Company (the owners) of the mv "SM New York" (the Vessel) via the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Europe on claims relating to extensive damage caused by high winds through the Durban port on 10 October 2017.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Michael Tucker
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Jacqui Kaufmann
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Thomas Henstra
Practice head
Michael Tucker
Other key lawyers
Tony Norton; Jacqui Kaufmann; Pippa Reyburn; John Ferraz; Thomas Henstra; Trishmika Ghazi