Chris Metcalf

About Chris

Chris specialises in shipping, insurance, offshore and oil and gas sectors with a special focus on dispute resolution arising out of marine contracts, including charterparties, contracts of affreightment (COAs), bills of lading, marine insurance policies and a wide variety of other commercial agreements. His practice focusses on the use of all types of vessels from traditional blue water vessels through to tug and tow, project cargo, heavylift and offshore and the contracts necessary for their commercial employment. Chris has acted for owners and charterers and their insurers as well as commodity traders, bunker suppliers, cargo interests and offshore energy insurers. On the advisory side, Chris has assisted clients with drafting Charterparties, COAs and bills of lading, including for commodity traders, mining companies and an oil major.

Chris is a partner in the London and Singapore offices. Having spent 5 years working in an IG P&I Club and with over 15 years of experience working in Singapore, he has in-depth knowledge of clients’ challenges in doing business across South East Asia.

Chris has been listed in the legal directories for several years. He is a “Leading Individual” in Legal 500 and is ranked as Band 1 in Chambers 2023, which notes, “Chris is a distinguished authority in the Singapore Shipping legal market and is highly respected for his work on dry litigation and arbitration matters as well as in insurance disputes”.

He is a Partner who provides pragmatic, solutions-driven commercial advice to clients across the maritime industry. His advice is clear and to the point. Client comments in Chambers include: “Chris is superb. He is a really friendly and personable guy. He can break down complex law into simple and digestible words by using commercial awareness”.; and “It’s really spectacular how he can address the points and communicate with us”

Chris has advised insurers throughout South East Asia on coverage and subrogation, in connection with marine and off shore contracts. Chris has significant experience of arbitration, (particularly LMAA, SCMA and SIAC) mediation and litigation in local and international venues. Chris is an advocate of mediation as a means of dispute resolution and will accept appointments to act as mediator or co-mediator.

Chris is qualified in England & Wales and a CEDR accredited mediator.