Ian is a Partner in HFW's leading shipping practice in the Middle East, and acts on a wide range of matters including, mergers and acquisitions, financing and projects for regional and international clients.

Ian has acted for a large number of regional and international offshore marine operators on a wide range of issues including establishing subsidiaries for activities in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE as well as in East and West Africa. He has also advised on a wide range of compliance and regulatory issues, particularly relating to cabotage and local requirements in the contracts with NOCs. He has also advised banks, financiers and operators on ship financing, fleet acquisitions and fleet deployment.

He has acted for shipyards on newbuilds, repair issues, EPC contracts and conversions, primarily in the offshore energy sector and port operators in relation to port concessions and operations.

What the market says about Ian

Ranked in Band 1 in Shipping Finance & Non-Contentious by Chambers Global 2024

Recognised as a Leading Individual by Legal 500 EMEA 2023

"Ian Chung has a strong understanding of political and commercial drivers. He can also navigate political, country and corporate risk considerations with ease." – Chambers Global UAE 2024

"Ian Chung is very proactive, has excellent commercial acumen and consistently provides a very high level of service." – Chambers Global UAE 2024

"Ian Chung knows the stakeholders and knows what is expected." – Chambers Global UAE 2024

"In terms of commercial knowledge, Ian Chung is one of the best." – Chambers Shipping UAE 2022

"Ian Chung is an accomplished lawyer based in Dubai who undertakes a wide variety of corporate and finance work in the shipping sector. His practice frequently sees him acting for significant banks and private equity houses on asset, trade and lease financings, as well as acquisitions." – Chambers Shipping UAE 2022

"Ian Chung is an outstanding individual with an in-depth knowledge of the industry. He produces high-quality work and is reliable." – Legal 500 UAE 2022