Senior Legal Manager
Samuel Ding is a solicitor of England and Wales, with a distinguished practice in shipping and international trade. His unique career path, having first qualified as a PRC lawyer in 2007 before moving to London, gives him an unparalleled strategic advantage in cross-border matters.
Languages - English, Chinese
Jurisdictions - England & Wales, the PRC (non-practising), Republic of Ireland (non-practising)
Samuel provides advice to a global clientele. This includes shipowners, operators, charterers, P&I Clubs, commodity traders, financial institutions, and shipyards. He regularly advises on the drafting and negotiation of complex contracts, including charterparties, bills of lading, logistics contracts, shipbuilding contracts and refund guarantees, second-hand ship sale and purchase agreements (MOAs), commodity trade agreements and ship management contracts (e.g. SHIPMAN).
Samuel is highly experienced in litigation and arbitration, representing clients in high-value disputes before the English High Court and leading arbitral institutions such as the LMAA, HKIAC, and CMAC. His expertise includes enforcement of judgments and awards, particularly in the complex context of Mainland China. He assists clients with legal due diligence, debt recovery, and the strategic use of cross-border guarantees, including performance bonds and on-demand bonds, to mitigate risk in international transactions.
Samuel's commitment to international law was solidified through his selection for the prestigious "Lord Chancellor's Training Scheme for Young Chinese Lawyers," which included training at a City of London shipping firm and a leading barristers' chambers. Fluent in Mandarin and English, he is adept at guiding clients through the legal and cultural nuances of cross-border business.
High-value LMAA Arbitration with general average element – bills of lading and charterparty dispute
Represented major Cargo interests in a multi-million dollar dispute (over US$10m) concerning a general average incident. The case involves parallel proceedings and turns on issues of vessel unseaworthiness and whether Cargo must contribute to the GA.
Cross-border enforcement: enforcing foreign arbitration awards in Mainland China
Advised international clients on the complex and often challenging process of enforcing foreign awards (including ICC and LMAA) and Hong Kong awards in Mainland China. Leveraged deep knowledge of the Supreme People's Court's reporting mechanism and local procedural nuances to devise effective enforcement strategies. We acted as a bridge between international clients and local PRC Counsel to ensure a seamless and assertive approach.
Pioneering CMAC arbitration where English law applies
Acted in an extraordinary China Maritime Arbitration Commission (CMAC) arbitration with a claim value exceeding US$40 million. The case, involving no PRC entities, was governed by English law and presented intricate conflict-of-law and jurisdictional challenges. Led the legal strategy, working closely with English barristers and foreign law experts to present a compelling case to the tribunal.
Leading Precedent on Letters of Indemnity: The "Zagora" Case (UK High Court)
Assisted shipowners in a high-stakes claim against charterers concerning liabilities arising from the release of cargo without presentation of original bills of lading, relying on letters of indemnity (LOIs). Our analysis was instrumental in establishing the charterers' liability for the owners' losses; and secured a landmark victory in the English High Court. The ruling in The Zagora is now a leading authority on the interpretation of LOIs, providing crucial clarity and protection for shipowners worldwide.
Expert English Law Advisory: Supporting a PRC Arbitration on Complex Ship Finance
Provided critical support to a client in a PRC arbitration where the outcome hinged on the correct interpretation of English law-governed transactional documents within a sophisticated ship finance structure. Collaborated with PRC counsel to draft a comprehensive expert legal opinion. We deconstructed the complex financial structure and provided a clear explanation of the parties' rights and obligations under English law.
Trusted Advisor to Financial Institutions: Reviewing Shipbuilding Refund Guarantees
Serve as primary external counsel for several major PRC commercial banks, requiring robust protection against risk in high-value shipbuilding projects through English law-governed refund guarantees and on-demand bonds. Act as the go-to legal expert, having reviewed and advised on over 100 such instruments. Provided reliable, strategic advice that has enabled our banking clients to mitigate risk effectively and proceed with confidence in the relevant transactions.
Ship Management Expertise: Arbitration and Advisory for Owners and Managers
Advised both vessel owners and ship management companies on disputes arising from SHIPMAN and other management agreements, with matters often escalating to HKIAC arbitration. Provided pre-dispute contractual reviews and negotiation support. In arbitration, we represented clients in claims concerning operational costs, crew management, safety compliance, and performance disputes. Successfully resolved numerous disputes through arbitration and settlement, protecting our clients' commercial interests and operational reputations. Our balanced experience on both sides of the table provides unique strategic insight.
