Shipping trio joins Penningtons Manches Cooper from Ince & Co

Posted: 02/10/2023

Penningtons Manches Cooper has recruited a team of three specialist shipping lawyers from Ince & Co.

Paul Crane will join as a partner, William Chetwood as a senior counsel, and Akshay Misra as a managing associate. A current Ince & Co trainee will follow the trio and arrive at the firm in the coming weeks. 

Bringing extensive combined maritime expertise across a wide range of matters, they will add further depth and breadth to the firm’s existing shipping practice, which will now comprise 18 partners and more than 20 lawyers and maritime specialists across offices in London, Paris, Madrid and Singapore.

Paul’s experience spanning the full range of maritime and insurance disputes, and has included arbitration, mediation, and commercial litigation right up to the Supreme Court level.

He has extensive experience in dealing with disputes arising around bills of lading and other contracts of carriage, as well as charterparty recoveries. He has also developed particular expertise in handling containerised cargo claims and liquid cargo contamination claims involving complex technical issues.

William has many years of experience both as a litigator and in the field of ship/yacht finance and sales. His diverse dispute resolution practice covers all aspects of maritime contractual disputes, including those arising out of charterparties, MOAs, new building contracts, insurance issues, and sale of goods disputes. 

His non-contentious practice is focused on advising on the purchase of new and second-hand vessels and yachts, construction finance and FFA and ISDA contracts.

Akshay is known for his expertise in London maritime arbitration and commercial court litigation, working with a variety of clients. He has extensive experience in dealing with multi-jurisdictional disputes and in handling a diverse portfolio of litigation matters. He has travelled on assignment to negotiate the successful release of vessels detained by local authorities, to settle claims with charterers and to oversee transhipment contracts and exercises.

Commenting on the team’s arrival, partner Darryl Kennard, who heads the firm’s marine, trade and energy practice, said:

“We are delighted that Paul, William and Akshay have chosen to join Penningtons Manches Cooper. They are all brilliant lawyers and highly regarded in our specialist field. Their knowledge and experience complements the team’s expertise very well and will bring additional strength when supporting clients on complex matters.”

Helen Drayton, Penningtons Manches Cooper’s CEO, said:

“I want to extend a very warm welcome to our new colleagues. Supporting the growth of our marine, trade and energy practice – both in the UK and internationally – is strategically important to the firm, so I’m really pleased we are adding more depth and breath in this important area.”

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