Webber Wentzel

As one of South Africa’s oldest firms (established 1868)​, Webber Wentzel has a long tradition of excellence, which extends robustly into maritime law. Its shipping and logistics practice is centered in Cape Town (a hub for admiralty jurisdiction in SA) and backed by the firm’s litigation strength. Webber Wentzel’s maritime team is widely acclaimed – Chambers Global describes it as having “considerable expertise in vessel collisions and other casualties,” while also excelling in charterparty disputes and cargo claims​. The firm’s lawyers have handled some of the region’s most significant maritime incidents, including multi-vessel collisions and maritime disasters along the South African coast. In such casualty matters, Webber provides end-to-end services: investigating causes, liaising with marine authorities, and handling any ensuing litigation or arbitration (often in London, given many contracts are English-law governed). The firm is also commended for its “dry” work – representing ports and terminal authorities in disputes, and dealing with claims arising from damage to port infrastructure, cargo handling mishaps, or grounding incidents at harbors​.

A notable segment of Webber Wentzel’s practice is acting for South African and international insurers and underwriters in marine insurance claims; the firm has deep experience in subrogated recovery actions for cargo underwriters and defending liability claims for hull insurers. Ship arrest and maritime enforcement are areas of particular proficiency: Webber Wentzel is “notably proficient in arrest work”​. The team regularly obtains maritime attachments and arrests for creditors in the High Court’s Admiralty jurisdiction, securing claims against vessels bunkering or calling at South African ports. Likewise, it frequently represents shipowners and P&I Clubs to prevent or lift wrongful arrests, leveraging its knowledge of Admiralty Procedure and the Admiralty Jurisdiction Regulation Act. The firm’s client base in shipping is broad. It includes local businesses engaged in shipping, international shipping companies, global logistics providers, major P&I Clubs, and South Africa’s Transnet National Ports Authority​.

For example, Webber Wentzel has represented port authorities in claims against vessel owners for damage to port property, and conversely defended shipowners in claims brought by terminals. In one highlight, the firm acted for the Thomas Miller Group (managers of UK P&I Club) in securing the arrest of a vessel “MV Patagonia” in South Africa for a claim – underscoring its close work with P&I insurers​. The firm’s alliance with Linklaters means it is often the African partner for global maritime transactions or disputes that have an English law component. Additionally, Webber’s large team and depth of experience give clients confidence, with testimonials noting that “Webber Wentzel have extensive maritime experience, expertise and knowledge” and are able to handle “large and technical matters” with ease​.

The maritime lawyers at Webber Wentzel, such as Gavin Fitzmaurice (a leading admiralty practitioner), are highly regarded for their understanding of the industry and client needs​. In sum, Webber Wentzel combines a century-and-a-half legacy with cutting-edge maritime legal skills, making it one of Africa’s top admiralty law firms. Its influence spans policy (partners have advised on maritime law reform) and precedent (many South African admiralty judgments feature Webber’s involvement), reinforcing the firm’s status as a cornerstone of maritime law practice in Africa.