Shipping and commodities form the backbone of SMBC Law’s practice and are at the heart of the firm’s identity. Our lawyers have extensive experience advising clients operating across the global trade and maritime sectors, from producers and traders to shipowners, charterers, insurers and financial institutions.

We are regularly involved in high-value disputes arising out of contracts for the sale and transport of commodities, including oil, gas, metals and agricultural products, as well as charterparties, bills of lading and related financing agreements.

Our understanding of the commercial realities of shipping and commodities trading allows us to anticipate market-driven risks, navigate operational complexities and design efficient dispute resolution strategies.

Beyond contentious matters, we also advise on the negotiation and drafting of sale and transportation contracts, long-term supply agreements, and collateral arrangements linked to trade finance. This combination of transactional and dispute experience ensures that our advice is both preventive and strategic, grounded in a practical understanding of how the industry operates.

With a multidisciplinary team fluent in the language of international trade, SMBC Law is uniquely positioned to assist clients in every stage of the commodities and shipping cycle, offering clear, business-oriented solutions to complex legal and commercial challenges.