Phil has over 20 years' experience acting on behalf of shipowners, ports, fleet hauliers, their specialist insurers and allied industry organisations. He is highlighted in the latest Legal 500 as "very clear and open in his communication". Described by clients as "being good at evaluating and solving difficult issues" and "bringing comprehensive knowledge to all aspects of port and shipping business", Phil is experienced in all issues arising out of the interaction between ship, port and cargo interests.
Claims expertise includes collisions, unsafe ports, pollution and environmental incidents, bailment and goods in transit, fatal accidents and catastrophic injuries. Risk management and regulatory expertise includes emergency investigation and response to HSE and MCA/MAIB intervention. Business protection expertise includes protection and collection of port revenue and marine recoveries generally. More recent non contentious activity includes project management of all stages of a major marine infrastructure project; from planning and environmental impact issues, through to procurement and contract management and ultimately delivery.
Published articles
There is little doubt that the transport and logistics sector would be impacted by a no deal Brexit, especially those regularly travelling across…
The Commercial Court has held that the Package Limitation Provisions in Article IV Rule 5 of the Hague Rules do not apply to bulk cargo.
The Commercial Court has recently given judgment in a cargo damage claim, holding that the Package Limitation Provisions in Article IV Rule 5 of the…
In a landmark judgment, Cargo Interests have defended an application made by the owners of a bulk carrier to constitute a limitation fund.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a decision of the Commercial Court that punctual payment of hire by the charterer was not a condition of the charters.
Legal directory quote
Phil James is "technically very good, has great communication skills and is very user-friendly". Legal 500 2019