The Maritime Law Academy: Shipping & Trade Law – Resolving Commercial Disputes is a comprehensive five-day program organized by BIMCO, the world's largest international shipping association. Scheduled from September 14 to 18, 2026, in Cambridge, UK, this academy aims to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in maritime law, focusing on the resolution of commercial disputes within the shipping and trade sectors.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the impact of international regimes and contract law principles on carriage contracts, the interplay between sale, insurance, and carriage contracts, and the legal relationships between shipowners and charterers. Participants will engage in detailed case studies addressing marine and cargo casualties, safe port obligations, seaworthiness, and the preparation for arbitration and court proceedings.
In addition to the structured sessions, the program offers practical experiences such as a guided tour of Legal London, including visits to significant legal institutions, and networking opportunities during organized dinners and social events. These activities are designed to enhance the learning experience and foster professional connections among attendees.
This academy is ideal for maritime professionals, legal practitioners, and individuals involved in shipping and trade who seek to deepen their understanding of maritime law and improve their ability to navigate and resolve commercial disputes effectively.
Speakers(7)
Baris Soyer
Professor at Swansea University
Professor Soyer is the Director of the Institute of International Shipping and Trade Law at Swansea University. He is a member of the British Maritime Law Association and British Insurance Law Association, and has authored several publications on maritime law.
Christian Hoppe
Head of Training at BIMCO
Christian is BIMCO’s Head of Training. He is a lawyer with a Master’s degree from the University of Copenhagen and an LL.M. from the University of Southampton. He has extensive experience in maritime law, having worked at the Danish Maritime Authority and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Transport and Energy.
Grant Hunter
Director for Standards, Innovation and Research at BIMCO
Grant Hunter is BIMCO’s Director for Standards, Innovation and Research, with over 40 years in the shipping industry. He has worked for BIMCO since 1997, primarily as Head of Contracts and Clauses.
Jean Koh
Partner at HFW
Jean specializes in shipping litigation, focusing on contractual shipping disputes including charter parties, bills of lading, cargo claims, commodities/trade disputes, ship sale and purchase disputes, bunker disputes, and shipbuilding disputes. She represents owners, charterers, shipyards, and their insurers internationally, with a particular focus on the Japanese market.
Mette Juul Madsen
Mike Phillips
Partner at Watson Farley & Williams LLP
Mike specializes in shipping, contentious ship finance, and ship and offshore vessel construction. With over 20 years of experience, he represents shipowners, traders, insurers, banks, funds, and shipyards, helping clients resolve complex disputes in shipping and international trade.
Stephen Mackin
Partner at Hill Dickinson
Stephen is a partner at Hill Dickinson in Newcastle, UK. A former mariner and now lawyer, he has extensive experience in all aspects of liquid cargo carriage by sea, focusing on tanker operations and related disputes.
Event Details
- Date
- September 14-18, 2026
- 5 days
- Location
- 🇬🇧 Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Wyng Gardens
- Pricing
- Unknown
- Audience
- Maritime professionals, legal practitioners, and individuals involved in shipping and trade.