Ince & Co

Ince & Co, now operating as part of The Ince Group, is a globally recognized law firm with deep roots in maritime and commercial law, dating back to its establishment in London in 1870. The firm’s history is closely intertwined with the shipping industry, having maintained a consistent focus on shipping, insurance, energy, and aviation law since its inception.

Ince’s international footprint is strategically aligned with major shipping and commercial hubs. Its offices in Hong Kong (established in 1979), Singapore (1991), and Piraeus (1993), as well as locations in Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, Hamburg, Cologne, Monaco, and Dubai, underscore the firm’s commitment to serving clients in the world’s most important maritime centers. The firm’s Hong Kong office, in particular, has become a cornerstone of its Asia-Pacific operations, reflecting the region’s growing significance in global shipping and trade.

The firm’s core strength lies in its shipping litigation and dispute resolution practice, where it is recognized as a market leader. Ince & Co regularly advises shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, insurers, and financial institutions on a wide range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including collisions, salvage, ship arrests, marine insurance, and complex charter party disputes. The firm is also highly active in ship finance, shipbuilding, and offshore projects, providing comprehensive legal support for vessel acquisitions, sales, construction, and financing transactions.

In recent years, Ince has pursued significant expansion in Asia, leveraging the financial resources and network of the broader Ince Gordon Dadds group. This expansion has included the addition of new partners and capabilities in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with a focus on shipping, international trade, insurance, energy, infrastructure, commercial litigation, construction, banking, and corporate finance. The firm’s growth is driven by the increasing demand for legal services in infrastructure and corporate finance, particularly as Asia-Pacific economies continue to invest heavily in these sectors.

Despite its traditional focus on litigation, Ince has also developed transactional capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its clients. The firm is known for its ability to handle high-value, multi-jurisdictional disputes and complex cross-border transactions, often involving significant financial and operational stakes for its clients. Its lawyers are recognized for their technical expertise, commercial awareness, and ability to deliver practical solutions in fast-moving and challenging environments.

Ince’s reputation is built on a legacy of excellence, a deep understanding of the maritime industry, and a commitment to client service. The firm’s history of representing major shipping interests, its strategic presence in key global markets, and its ongoing investment in talent and capabilities position it as a leading choice for clients seeking expert legal advice in shipping litigation, finance, shipbuilding, and related areas across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.