Greenwoods Solicitors

Greenwoods offers a wide range of services to the marine industry advising on a spectrum of insurance-related shipping claims, from subrogated recoveries to marine casualties, as well as providing advice on policy coverage issues.

Our clients include marine insurers, P&I Clubs and ship owners.

For all litigation and disputes, we provide an early assessment of the risks involved, advising on the legal and commercial issues and how to obtain the best results. We have extensive experience in responding to shipping and yacht casualties, disasters and emergencies.

We operate a 24hour Emergency Response staffed by one of our specialist casualty solicitors to give immediate advice and support. We will attend on-site shortly after an emergency so as to begin investigations into the cause of the casualty, take statements, appoint experts, and contain and limit damage at the earliest stage possible.

The areas in which we are regularly instructed include:

Cruise & Ferry
Greenwoods caters for the needs of Cruise and Ferry operators with particular emphasis on issues and regulations arising from port and terminal facilities, insurance, casualty handling (claims by both crew and passengers), stowaways and package travel regulation claims.

We advise on Health and Safety issues and also defend clients facing prosecution by the Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Our Health & Safety team is an acknowledged leader in the defence of manslaughter, health and safety and other regulatory prosecutions.

Cargo Recoveries
The team provides a specialist subrogated recovery service for cargo underwriters in cargo claims covering all aspects of carriage of goods by sea and road and warehousing.

Likewise, we defend shipowners, charterers, warehouse owners and road hauliers against claims arising out of cargo damage.

Yachts
We have experience in matters involving vessels ranging from small leisure craft to large commercial yachts.  We are regularly instructed in collision and salvage matters (including those resulting from both professional and amateur races), theft, recoveries, and policy disputes and drafting.

Fraud is a further area of expertise. We have significant experience of investigating suspected fraudulent claims which often involve deliberate scuttling, staged theft and other damage, arising mainly in the luxury private yacht market. Working closely with marine adjusters, surveyors and other experts, we advise clients on the necessary evidence for a robust defence of such claims.

Ports and  Marinas
Greenwoods act for ports, terminals and marina operators and their insurers in liability claims.  We also advise on the wording and effect of standard trading conditions and provide advice on risk management issues.

Marine Professionals
We represent and defend a number of marine professionals under their professional indemnity and/or public liability insurance cover.  We have experience in acting for surveyors, engineers and naval architects.