D. L. & F. De Saram's admiralty and shipping practice is highly regarded for its expertise across contentious and non-contentious mandates, with a particular focus on ship arrests, cargo claims, vessel mortgage enforcement and marine pollution incidents. The team advises P&I Clubs, international shipping companies and financial institutions on matters ranging from collisions, groundings and fires to charterparty disputes and maritime insurance. Jivan Goonetilleke leads the practice, bringing longstanding experience in high-value disputes and enforcement proceedings to the role, while managing partner Savantha De Saram supports on shipping matters alongside his broader commercial practice. The group is further strengthened by Sachitra Abeywardane, who is active in litigation and arbitration arising from casualty work and vessel-related disputes, and Nadine Puvimanasinghe.
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Key clients
- The London Club P&I Limited
- West of England (Hellas) Limited
- UBS Switzerland AG
- Fleet Management India Private Limited
- The Shipowner’s Protection Limited (Luxembourg) Singapore Branch
- Svetah Energy Infrastructure, FZA
- Britannia P&I Club
Work highlights
Representing the London Club P&I and its member, the owner of the MV X-Press Pearl, following an incident in which the vessel caught fire in the Outer Port Limits off the Port of Colombo on or about 21st May 2021.
Advising West of England (Hellas) Limited on matters relating to the fire that erupted on board the MT New Diamond and subsequent legal implications and environmental hazards that resulted from the fire.
Advising UBS Switzerland AG on the insolvency of Gulf Petrochem Group, as a consequence of which the vessel and crew were subsequently abandoned by the owner citing unavoidable financial constraints.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Sachitra Abeywardane
Nadine Puvimanasinghe
Practice head
Jivan Goonetilleke; Savantha De Saram
Other key lawyers
Sachitra Abeywardane; Nadine Puvimanasinghe