Paul Katsouris
Partner
Paul is a specialist shipping lawyer, supporting clients across the maritime, trade, offshore and superyacht sectors.
Partner
Paul is a specialist shipping lawyer, supporting clients across the maritime, trade, offshore and superyacht sectors.
Languages - English, Greek
Jurisdictions - England & Wales, Greece,
United Arab Emirates
Paul is a dual-qualified Partner (England & Wales and Greece) and trusted advisor to global businesses in the maritime industry, delivering end-to-end legal support on strategic advisory, partnership structuring, trading transactions and project-related matters.
He has significant experience advising on ship and yacht sale and purchase transactions, fleet expansion projects, joint ventures, charterparty agreements and shipbuilding and yacht building contracts, guiding clients through every stage of their transaction.
In addition to his transactional work, Paul has acted on major litigation and arbitration matters across the sector. He has represented clients before the English High Court, UAE local and DIFC Courts, and in complex international arbitrations under LMAA, DIAC, SIAC, and LCIA rules.
Now based in Greece, following more than twelve successful years in the UAE, Paul acts as a strategic bridge between these two key shipping markets, offering tailored legal advice aligned with both regional dynamics and international standards.
Paul has also played a significant role in shaping the maritime legal industry. He is a founding member of the Hellenic Business Council in Dubai and previously served as a MENA Advisory Board Member at City, University of London.
Recognised for his professionalism, and commercial approach, Paul is known as a trusted advisor whom clients consider an extension of their business.
Purchase of newbuild VLCC’s
Advised a quasi-governmental entity on the structure and en bloc purchase of four newbuild VLCC’s with a value of approximately US$400 million.
LNG Joint Venture
Advised a growing shipping company on the establishment of a joint venture with a world leading shipping group for the operation and management of 3 LNG vessels.
Bareboat Charterparties
Advised a leading shipping group on the bareboat charter of several VLCC’s including the negotiation of the terms and the purchase obligations.
International Trade Dispute
Represented a leading petroleum trading company in DIAC and SIAC arbitration proceedings against an oil and gas company, arising from a package deal recap involving multiple agreements for the sale of Gasoline products.
Vessel Sale & Purchase Dispute
Successfully represented a buyer on the recovery of their deposit in a multijurisdictional dispute under LMAA rules, arising from the non-delivery of a vessel under a NSF2012 contract.
Settlement of multiple ongoing disputes
Advised and negotiated on behalf of a major shipping group for the settlement of over 15 ongoing disputes across multiple jurisdictions (some ongoing for more than 10 years), and recovering over US$10 million.
Port Rules and Regulations
Advised and assisted with the drafting of the rules and regulations of various ports and terminals in the gulf region.
Bunker Supply Terms and Conditions
Updated and/or drafted the Terms and Conditions for multiple major bunker suppliers in the gulf region.
Superyacht Sale
Advised a private office on the sale of a 50m Benetti superyacht.
Newbuild Superyacht
Advised one of the largest groups in the gulf on the construction of a highly customised superyacht.
