Adam Board

Professional practice

Adam is an experienced advocate with a varied commercial litigation and international arbitration practice. His main practice areas are shipping, commodities, offshore construction, international commercial arbitration, energy, insurance, civil fraud, and the conflict of laws. Adam has been ranked in the legal directories for a number of years, which in describe him in 2025 as:

“a tremendous lawyer” (C&P);
“a brilliant junior who is liked by clients” (C&P);
“extremely clever, capable and a pleasure to work with” (C&P);
“very calm and considered, able to work well in any team and demonstrates strong legal analysis and tactical awareness” (Legal 500); and
a “leading” junior for maritime, shipping and transport cases (Doyles Guide).

Adam is often instructed in high value and complex litigation but has also acted as trial counsel in a number of smaller claims. He has recent appellate experience, including before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and the Commercial Court. Adam is an experienced trial advocate and is regularly instructed to appear in interim applications (including for freezing orders, other injunctions, and applications to enforce arbitral awards).

Adam also appears as counsel in international arbitrations. He has particular experience in proceedings under the auspices of the LMAA, SIAC, ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, CI ARB, and SCMA rules. Adam’s arbitration experience includes acting for, among others, sovereign states and state-owned companies. He also has experience in arbitration proceedings seated abroad, those governed by foreign substantive and/or procedural laws and has previously acted as an advisor on English law in support of foreign court proceedings.

Examples of Recent Cases

Hapag-Lloyd AG v. Skyros Maritime Corp [2024] EWHC 3139 (Comm). Adam is instructed on behalf of charterers in an arbitration appeal concerning the measure of damages for late redelivery of a time-chartered vessel. The appeal, described by Mr Justice Bright as “genuinely fascinating”, raises issues as to the nature and scope of the ‘remoteness’ and ‘res inter alios acta’ principles (and apparently conflicting authorities) when assessing damages for breach of contract. Adam is led by Steven Berry KC.

Winch Design Ltd v. Le Souef & Somnio [2025] EWHC 120 (Comm). Adam was instructed as trial counsel on behalf of the claimant in an action to recover unpaid invoices due in respect of the design of a luxury yacht which, if built, would be the largest superyacht ever to be constructed. The claim raised issues of contractual construction, rectification, waiver and estoppel. The claim was of broader interest and was reported in the national press.

Russian Aviation – OP Claims (ongoing). Adam is instructed on behalf of All Risks Reinsurers who are defendants to various Commercial Court claims (among others) brought by aircraft lessors in relation to ‘operator policies’ of reinsurance and the alleged detention of aircraft by Russian aircraft lessees following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Adam is led by Paul Stanley KC and John Bignall of 7KBW.

Acquinex Ltd & Ors. v. Howden Group Holdings & Ors. (2025, KBD). Adam is instructed for the claimants in a team move claim for injunctive relief and damages arising out of the en masse resignation of over 30 employees across numerous jurisdictions to move to Howden’s underwriting division, DUAL. Adam is led by Daniel Oudkerk KC and appears with Freddie Popplewell.

International Arbitration (London, ad hoc, 2023). Adam acted as part of a large team of counsel for the Claimant in a dispute concerning the construction and sale of a semi-submersible offshore drilling rig. The case raised a wide range of legal and technical issues, with expert evidence served in 10 disciplines. These included the legal test for “insolvency” as a matter of English and Singapore law. Adam was led by Duncan Matthews KC (20 Essex), Roderick Cordara KC and Siddharth Dhar KC, and appeared with John Snider, Andrew Shaw (South Square), Matthew Chan (20 Essex) and Edward Mordaunt.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA, 2021, 2023). Adam was instructed on behalf of a major Korean shipbuilder in proceedings relating to the construction and repair of two LNG vessels. The disputes raised complex issues of marine engineering and legal issues such as ‘transferred loss’, issue estoppel, the proper construction of exemption clauses. Adam was led by Christopher Smith KC and appeared with Freddie Onslow.

BP Oil International Ltd v. Glencore Energy UK Ltd [2022] EWHC 499 (Comm). Adam was instructed for the Claimant in a dispute concerning the sale and purchase of contaminated crude oil. The case raised unresolved legal issues relating to the assessment of damages and the principle of res inter alios acta. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

Alfa v. Heinemann & Ors (ICC, Tel Aviv, 2020-22). Adam was instructed for Alfa, a Luxembourg company, in a substantial fraud claim arising out of a joint venture agreement and international tender relating to Ben Gurion airport. The arbitral tribunal upheld the conspiracy claim and an Israeli Court subsequently held the outcome should be public given the importance of the public tender. Adam was led by Daniel Oudkerk KC.

Aspen Underwriting Ltd (& Ors) v. Credit Europe Bank NV [2020] UKSC 11, [2018] EWCA Civ 2590. Adam acted for the respondent bank in two related appears concerning the rules of jurisdiction applicable to assignees, ‘matters relating to insurance’, and restitution claims under the Brussels Re-Cast Regulation 1215/2012. The Supreme Court appeals were heard by a panel of 7 Justices, with the bank prevailing on all of the issues decided. The case is now a leading authority on the position of an assignee sued by an original contracting party in relation to a contract containing a jurisdiction agreement. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

Jiangsu Guoxin Corp Ltd v. Precious Shipping Public Co Ltd [2020] EWHC 1030 (Comm). Adam acted for the purchasers in relation to a series of contracts for the construction of newbuilding vessels, both in arbitration and then on appeal. The appeals concerned the scope and application of the ‘prevention principle’ in the context of the cancellation of international shipbuilding contracts. The Judgment of Mr Justice Butcher is now a leading case on this issue. Adam was led by Roderick Cordara KC and appeared with Andrew Dinsmore (20 Essex).

What Others Say

Chambers & Partners 2025, Shipping & Commodities:

“Adam is a brilliant junior who is liked by clients.”

“Adam is extremely clever, capable and a pleasure to work with.”

“Adam is a tremendous lawyer.”

“Adam is calm, reassuring and the person you want in a panic.”

“Adam is level-headed and gives a very sensible opinion on matters.” “

He always produces a high-quality product.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2025, Shipping:

“Adam is very calm and considered, able to work well in any team and demonstrates strong legal analysis and tactical awareness.”

Chambers & Partners 2024, Shipping & Commodities:

“Adam is calm, reassuring and the person you want in a panic”.

“Adam is level-headed and gives a very sensible opinion on matters”.

“He always produces a high-quality product”.

Legal 500 UK Bar 2024, Shipping:

“Gives decisive and commercial advice, and good to work with”.

Chambers & Partners 2023, Shipping & Commodities:

“He is very clever and accessible.”

“Adam is very analytical and easy to get on with.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2023, Shipping:

“His advice is always well presented and commercial and his advocacy formidable. A joy to work with for solicitors and lay clients alike.”

Legal 500 UK Bar 2022, Commodities:

“A very sharp and a clear thinker, he is skilled and confident in drafting and providing tactical and procedural advice”.

Legal 500 UK Bar 2022, Shipping:

“A very sharp and clear thinker. Highly effective, highly efficient, and highly recommended”.

Legal 500 UK Bar 2021, Shipping:

“Clever and is able to get to the heart of complex disputes.”

Arbitration & related court applications

Adam regularly acts and advises as counsel in international commercial arbitrations. He has experience in a wide range of arbitral proceedings of different kinds, including those under the auspices of the LMAA, SIAC, ICC, LCIA, UNCITRAL, CI ARB, and SCMA rules. In the past, Adam has acted for a wide array of different arbitration users, including commercial clients, sovereign states and state-owned companies. Adam’s experience includes arbitration proceedings seated abroad, hearings that take place outside England and Wales, and disputes governed by foreign substantive and/or procedural laws.

Adam also acts as counsel before the English Courts in arbitration-related court applications. His recent experience includes applications to enforce arbitral awards (s. 66 AA 1996), challenges to arbitral jurisdiction (ss. 67 and 72 AA 1996), challenges to awards on grounds of serious procedural irregularity (s. 68 AA 1996) and appeals on points of law (s. 69 AA 1996). Adam has also previously acted in applications for interim relief and related contempt of court proceedings for breaches of injunctions.

Court Applications

Lenders v. Borrowers & Guarantors. Adam was instructed on behalf of mezzanine lenders in enforcement proceedings and related applications in respect of the non-payment of an ICC arbitration award made in London. Adam’s involvement included: (1) applying to obtain a post-award freezing injunction (Commercial Court, Bright J.); (2) applying for leave to enforce financial and declaratory awards as a judgment of the English Court and opposing subsequent applications made to set-aside that relief on grounds of service and other matters (Commercial Court, Pelling J.); and (3) applying for interim and final charging orders to secure the award debts (KBD, Master Dagnall). Adam was led in two hearings before Pelling J. by Philippa Hopkins KC.

Trading company v. Chemical producer. Adam was instructed on behalf of a commodities trading company to oppose a s. 67 Arbitration Act 1996 challenge to an award on jurisdiction made by a sole arbitrator. The challenge was summarily dismissed by the Commercial Court pursuant to its case management powers in CPR 3.3(4) and CCG O.8.6

Shipbroker v. Marine Logistics Co. Adam was instructed on behalf of a shipbroker to seek an order pursuant to s. 72 Arbitration Act 1996 declaring that no valid arbitration agreement existed between the alleged parties and for injunctions to restrain the pursuit of foreign-seated arbitration proceedings.

HPOR Serviços de Consultoria v. Dryships Inc (& Anor) [2018] EWHC 3451 (Comm). Adam was instructed by the Respondents in arbitrations and subsequent appeal concerning the equitable remedies of ‘account of profits’ and ‘forfeiture of remuneration’. The case is a rare example where English Court exercised its jurisdiction to forfeit an agent’s fees on grounds of its repudiatory breaches of fiduciary duty. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Pan Petroleum Aje Ltd v. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum (& Ors) [2017] EWCA Civ 1525; [2017] EWHC 1102 (Comm). Adam was instructed in arbitration applications for interim injunctions and subsequent contempt of court proceedings, which were subsequently appealed. The case is one of only a few authorities to deal with declaratory relief for contempt of court and is a leading case as to the principles applicable to the true construction of a court order. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Arbitrations

[Trading company] v. [Chemical producer] (Ad hoc, ongoing). Adam is instructed on behalf of a commodities trading company in proceedings relating to the alleged breach of a contract for the annual supply of biomethanol. The arbitration proceedings are continuing on issues of liability, following an award of jurisdiction and a related court application. Adam is led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitration (London, ad hoc, 2023). Adam acted as part of a large team of counsel for the Claimant in a dispute concerning the construction and sale of a semi-submersible off-shore drilling rig. The case raised a wide range of legal and technical issues, with expert evidence served in 10 disciplines. These included the legal test for “insolvency” as a matter of English and Singapore law. Adam was led by Duncan Matthews KC (20 Essex), Roderick Cordara KC and Siddharth Dhar KC, and appeared with John Snider, Andrew Shaw (South Square), Matthew Chan (20 Essex) and Edward Mordaunt.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA, 2021, 2023). Adam was instructed on behalf of a major Korean shipbuilder in proceedings relating to the construction and repair of two LNG vessels. The disputes raise complex issues of marine engineering and legal issues such as ‘transferred loss’, issue estoppel, the proper construction of exemption clauses. Adam was led by Christopher Smith KC and appeared with Freddie Onslow.

International Arbitration (Paris, ICC, 2023). Adam was instructed on behalf of a statutory airport authority in the context of a dispute relating to the construction of a new airport terminal in Kenya. The dispute raises issues of foreign law, including public procurement law. Adam was led by Ben Juratowitch KC and appeared with Caroline Greenfield (Atkin Chambers).

International Arbitrations (London, LCIA Rules, 2021-2022). Adam was instructed on behalf of the claimant in two disputes and two related arbitration references concerned with the exercise of rights of first refusal over shares in a mining investment company. The disputes raised issues of contractual construction and the legal principles relating to rights of first refusal. Adam was led by Graham Dunning KC.

International Arbitration (London, LCIA Rules, 2021-2023). Adam was instructed on behalf of the claimant in a dispute and four main arbitration references concerning the performance of long-term charterparties for the carriage of fish and sea products. The dispute raised issues of alleged illegality under foreign laws and allegations of breach of contract. Adam was led by Graham Dunning KC.

International Arbitration (London, CI Arb Rules, 2012-2019). Adam was instructed on behalf of a sovereign state and its anti-corruption office in connection with a long-running, complex and high-value dispute with a Manx investment company. The dispute raised issues of foreign law and an application pursuant to s. 68 of the Arbitration Act 1996. Adam was led by Judith Gill KC and Sam Wordsworth KC (on liability) and by Mark Levy KC (on quantum).

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA Rules, 2017-2018). Adam acted for the respondents in two concurrent arbitrations concerned with claims for commission pursuant to consultancy and advisory agreements. The legal issues included contractual interpretation, alleged oral agreements, and without prejudice privilege. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA Rules, 2017-2018). Adam acted for the respondents in two parallel arbitrations concerning claims for commission pursuant to agency and brokerage agreements in relation to drilling contracts. The legal issues concerned allegations of misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Civil fraud & asset recovery

Adam’s practice includes civil fraud disputes and cases involving allegations of dishonesty, bribery, breaches of fiduciary duty, and economic torts. He is currently instructed in a number of commercial employment cases in which allegations of dishonesty and breach of fiduciary duty have been made. Adam’s interest in this area began with his instruction towards the end of the long-running Fiona Trust litigation, in which he was part of a team of counsel applying to enforce cross-undertakings in a series of freezing orders. Adam has also appeared as a trial advocate in cases involving fraud, dishonesty, and has appeared at hearings involving allegations of contempt of court.

National Bank Trust v. Pishchulina (2025, Comm). Adam is instructed as junior counsel in contempt of court proceedings and a related strike-out application, opposing an application to commit a defendant following an alleged breach of a worldwide freezing order. Adam is led by James Willan KC.

[Claimant] v. [Defendant] (2024, Comm). Adam is instructed as counsel in a dispute involving allegations of conspiracy, breach of fiduciary duty, and the wrongful diversion of business opportunities by a senior employee. The case raises issues of jurisdiction and service out of the jurisdiction in respect of claims brought in England against foreign employees following the UK’s departure from the European Union. Adam is led by Daniel Oudkerk KC.

SCF Tankers Ltd v. Privalov & Ors [2018] 1 WLR 5623 (CA), [2017] 2 All ER 570 (Comm). Adam was instructed for the applicant in a two-week Commercial Court trial of an inquiry into damages arising out of worldwide freezing orders and a security regime. The proceedings formed part of the complex Fiona Trust litigation. An award of damages of c.US$60m was upheld on appeal. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC and Nathan Pillow KC.

British American Tobacco & Anor v. Benikes & Ors (Commercial Court, 2019). Adam was instructed on behalf of the claimants in proceedings involving allegations of bribery and breach of fiduciary duty on the part of a former director during his employment. Adam was led by Paul Stanley KC.

HPOR Serviços de Consultoria v. Dryships Inc & Anor [2018] EWHC 3451 (Comm). Adam was instructed on behalf of the respondents to an appeal pursuant to s. 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996, which concerned the remedies of account of profits and equitable forfeiture. The issues arose in the context of claims brought by an agent who was in repudiatory breach of its fiduciary duties and whose principal was implicated by ‘Operation Car Wash’ corruption investigations in Brazil. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Seaton Trustees v. Schneider Electric FZE (Commercial Court, 2014). Adam was instructed in a share purchase dispute which involved allegations of fraud, mismanagement and breaches of warranty. Adam was led by Stephen Houseman KC and James Collins KC.

Cherney v. Deripaska (2010). Adam was instructed on behalf of the Defendant as part of a team of supporting junior counsel in this large dispute between oligarchs concerning an alleged agreement in respect of Russian assets.

Commercial dispute resolution

Adam acts and advises as counsel in relation to a wide range of commercial disputes, including those mentioned in other sections of this profile. Adam has experience in a variety of different sectors of international commerce, including sales of goods, banking and finance, commercial employment, share purchase agreements, rights of first refusal, software licensing, and disputes in relation to term sheets.

Microsoft Corporation v. JJH Enterprises Ltd (2024, Comm). Adam was instructed by the claimant in an application relating to the enforcement of a Tomlin Order and confidentiality in proceedings relating to intellectual property. Adam was led by Paul Stanley KC.

Alfa v. Heinemann & Ors (ICC, Tel Aviv 2020-22). Adam was instructed for Alfa, a Luxembourg company, in a substantial fraud claim arising out of a joint venture agreement and international tender relating to Ben Gurion airport. The arbitral tribunal upheld the conspiracy claim and an Israeli Court subsequently held the outcome should be public given the importance of the public tender. Adam was led by Daniel Oudkerk KC.

Blackstar Advisors Ltd v. Cheyne Capital International Ltd (& Anor) [2018] EWHC 3496 (Comm). Adam was instructed on behalf of the hedge fund defendants in proceedings brought in the Commercial Court in connection with investor introduction fees. The claims were determined at a two-week trial and raised issues of contractual construction, estoppel, and French law. Adam also appeared at several interlocutory hearings prior to trial. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitrations (London, LCIA Rules, 2019). Adam is instructed on behalf of the claimant in a dispute concerned with the exercise of rights of first refusal over shares in a mining investment company. The dispute raises issues of contractual construction and the legal principles relating to rights of first refusal. Adam was led by Graham Dunning KC.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA Rules, 2017-2018). Adam acted for the respondents in two parallel arbitrations concerning claims for commission pursuant to agency and brokerage agreements in relation to oil drilling contracts. The legal issues concerned allegations of misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Energy & natural resources

Adam’s litigation and arbitration practice also covers disputes in the energy and natural resources sectors, including cases in relation to oil and gas (concessions, joint operating agreements, commodities trading, and international transport), mining and minerals exploration, and renewable energy (solar panels, wind turbines). The following are recent examples of Adam’s cases in these sectors, which include court and arbitration proceedings.

Trading company v. Chemical producer (Ad hoc, ongoing). Adam is instructed on behalf of a commodities trading company in proceedings relating to the alleged breach of a contract for the annual supply of biomethanol. The arbitration proceedings are continuing on issues of liability, following an award of jurisdiction and a related court application. Adam is led by Steven Berry KC.

Cargo interests v. Shipowners (LMAA, ongoing). Adam is instructed as counsel on behalf of an international commodities trading company in two related arbitrations relating to the alleged contamination of a cargo of Jet-A1 fuel carried on board two vessels.

BP Oil International Ltd. v. Glencore Energy UK Ltd [2022] EWHC 499 (Comm). Adam successfully acted for the Claimant in a dispute concerning a sale and purchase of crude oil contaminated by organic chlorides in April 2019. The case raised unresolved issues of relating to the quantification of damages for breach of a sale of goods contract. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitrations (London, LCIA Rules, 2021). Adam acted on behalf of the claimant in a dispute concerned with the exercise of rights of first refusal over shares in a mining investment company. The dispute raises issues of contractual construction and the legal principles relating to rights of first refusal. Adam is led by Graham Dunning KC.

Pan Petroleum Aje Ltd v. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum (& Ors) [2017] EWCA Civ 1525, [2017] EWHC 1102 (Comm). Adam was instructed in arbitration applications for interim injunctions and subsequent contempt of court proceedings, including an appeal on the issue of contempt to the Court of Appeal. The case concerned a joint venture dispute arising out of an agreement to operate a Nigerian oil field. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

International Arbitration (Singapore, UNCITRAL Rules 2016). Adam acted on behalf of companies in the coal mining industry in a dispute concerning the sale and purchase of shares in Indonesian companies. The legal issues included matters of arbitral jurisdiction, contractual interpretation, and questions of Indonesian law. Adam was led by Graham Dunning KC.

International Arbitrations (Singapore, SIAC Rules, 2011-2012). Adam was instructed on behalf of the claimant in a series of arbitrations concerning the sale and purchase of photovoltaic solar cells for the manufacture of solar panels. Adam was led by Jern-Fei Ng (as he then was).

Insurance & reinsurance

Adam is developing a busy practice in insurance and reinsurance cases and has particular experience in the marine and aviation sectors, as well as acting as counsel in claims on behalf of subrogated insurers and P&I clubs.

Russian Aviation – OP Claims (ongoing). Adam is instructed on behalf of All Risks Reinsurers who are defendants to various Commercial Court claims brought by aircraft lessors in relation to ‘operator policies’ of reinsurance and the alleged detention of aircraft by Russian aircraft lessees following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Adam is led by Paul Stanley KC and John Bignall of 7KBW.

Aspen Underwriting Ltd (& Ors) v. Credit Europe Bank NV [2020] UKSC 11, [2018] EWCA Civ 2590. Adam successfully appeared for the respondent bank in two related appeals concerned with the rules of jurisdiction applicable to assignees, matters relating to insurance, and restitution claims pursuant to the Brussels Re-Cast Regulation 1215/2012. The decision of the Supreme Court is now the leading case in English law on the rules of jurisdiction applicable in matters relating to insurance within the EU frameworks and affirms the approach in The Jay Bola with regard to rights and obligations under jurisdiction clauses consequent upon assignment. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

Navytrend Shipping Limited v. The Swedish Club (& Ors) (Commercial Court – 2019). Adam is instructed on behalf of owners in a dispute concerning the measure of indemnity due under a policy of marine insurance arising out of a main engine breakdown.

Interim injunctions and freezing orders

Adam’s practice includes applying for, and opposing, interim injunctions, freezing orders, Norwich Pharmacal orders, confidentiality injunctions and other forms of interim relief in suitable cases. He also has experience in related injunction-related applications, including committal and contempt applications and applications for inquiries into damages for losses caused by interim relief. The following are recent examples of Adam’s cases involving interim injunctions and freezing orders.

[Lenders] v. [Borrowers & Guarantors]. Adam was instructed on behalf of mezzanine lenders in enforcement proceedings and related applications in respect of the non-payment of an ICC arbitration award made in London. Adam’s involvement included applying to obtain a post-award freezing injunction to support enforcement in England (Commercial Court, Bright J.).

[Shipowners] & Ors v. [Charterers] & Ors (KBD, 2024). Adam was instructed as counsel to oppose Commercial Court applications for interim and final anti-suit and confidentiality injunctions arising out of the termination of two charterparties. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

Stokoe Partnership Solicitors v. Robinson & Ors (QBD, 2020). Adam acted for a firm of solicitors to obtain Norwich Pharmacal relief and interim mandatory injunctions to restrain attempts to access confidential information in connection with on-going litigation. Adam was led by Dan Oudkerk KC.

M.T. “Vessel 1” & M.T. “Vessel 2” (Commercial Court, 2020). Adam acted for the respondents to oppose the continuation of two worldwide freezing orders in connection with two ship sale and purchase agreements.

Instasol LLC v. EM Digital & Ors (Commercial Court, 2019). Adam acted for the claimant in proceedings to recover amounts due under a loan agreement, including successful applications for freezing injunctions and related disclosure orders in support of claims pursuant to s. 423 of the Insolvency Act 1986.

Delta Kanaris Special Maritime Enterprise v. Elemento Ltd [2019] EWHC 2875 (Comm). Adam acted for the respondent oil trading company at the return date of an application for worldwide freezing orders in support of English court proceedings. The issues included the extent to which the court should attribute weight to past allegations and conduct when considering whether a real risk of dissipation was established. Adam was led by Michael Coburn KC of 20 Essex Street.

VTB Commodities Trading v. JSC Antipinsky (& Anor) (Commercial Court, 2019). Adam was instructed on behalf of the intervener in connection with an application to set-aside worldwide freezing injunctions obtained by the claimant in a dispute concerning title to cargoes of oil on board a floating off-shore storage vessel in Russia. Adam was led by the late Edmund King QC.

Alleged Breach of injunctions

National Bank Trust v. Pishchulina (2025, Comm). Adam is instructed as counsel in contempt proceedings and a related strike-out application in respect of an alleged breach of a worldwide freezing order. Adam is led by James Willan KC.

Pan Petroleum Aje Ltd v. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum (& Ors) [2017] EWCA Civ 1525, [2017] EWHC 1102 (Comm). Adam was instructed in arbitration applications for interim injunctions in the context of disputes relating to a joint operating agreement in respect of an off-shore drilling project. The proceedings included a contempt application following the breach of the orders which was upheld ([2017] EWHC 1102 (Comm)) and an appeal affirming the finding of contempt ([2017] EWCA Civ 1525). The case is one of the few authorities dealing with declaratory relief for contempt of court and provides guidance as to the interpretation of injunctions and the relevance of context. Adam was led by David Joseph KC.

Cross-undertakings in damages

SCF Tankers Ltd v. Privalov (& Ors) [2018] 1 WLR 5623 (CA), [2017] 2 All ER 570 (Comm). Adam was instructed for the applicant in a two-week Commercial Court trial of an inquiry into damages arising out of worldwide freezing orders and a security regime. The proceedings formed part of the complex Fiona Trust litigation, in which it had been found that freezing orders had been wrongfully obtained and had caused substantial losses during the term of their operation and the operation of a replacement security regime. An award of damages of c.US$60m was upheld on appeal, which provides guidance on issues of causation in such claims. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC and Nathan Pillow KC.

Shipping & Shipbuilding Disputes

Adam is consistently ranked in the legal directories (Chambers UK, Chambers Global, Legal 500, Doyles Guide) for his work in shipping and commodities cases, which have been at the heart of his practice for many years. Adam acts for and advises a full range of shipping and trade clients and has experience in cases involving carriage of goods, charterparties, shipbuilding and offshore construction, ship sale and purchase, luxury yachts, ship management, ship finance, and ship pooling.

Shipping disputes

OMV Petrom v. Elinoil (Comm). Adam was instructed on behalf of cargo interests in proceedings before the London Circuit Commercial Court relating to a cargo of Jet A1 fuel and EU import/export and customs rules.

International arbitration (LMAA, ongoing). Adam is instructed as counsel on behalf of an international commodities trading company in two related arbitrations relating to the alleged contamination of a cargo of Jet-A1 fuel carried on board two vessels.

International arbitration (LMAA, ongoing). Adam is instructed as counsel on behalf of trip time charterers in a chain of concurrent LMAA arbitrations relating to an arrest in Egypt and underlying load port delays in Australia.

Fleet Trader II (Comm). Adam was instructed by owners of a cargo vessel in a bill of lading dispute concerning delays to cargo operations at the discharge port. The case is multi-jurisdictional, with protective proceedings filed and pursued in France.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA Rules, 2022). Adam was instructed on behalf of owners in a series of arbitration references arising out of contracts of affreightment for the shipment of quantities frozen fish and other sea products. Adam was led by Graham Dunning KC.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2022). Adam was instructed for the owners of a chartered vessel in a dispute concerning the detention of the vessel for an extended period due alleged contamination of the cargo. Adam was led by Christopher Smith KC.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2022). Adam is instructed for the charterers of a vessel in a dispute relating to the loss of wind turbine blades overboard due to heavy weather. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

Space Shipping Ltd v. ST Shipping Transport Pte Ltd [2021] EWHC 2288 (Comm). Adam was instructed on behalf of the owners of the vessel CV STEALTH in an appeal on a point of law arising from an arbitration award, pursuant to s. 69 of the Arbitration Act 1996. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitration (London, 2021). Adam was instructed on behalf of Owners in a charterparty dispute concerning allegations of misrepresentation and breach of contract arising out of a vessel’s trading history and her previously having called at a North Korean port.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules 2017-2019). Adam was instructed on behalf of the charterers of a transshipment vessel used to process dry commodities in South America. The issues arising include question of contractual interpretation and estoppel in the context of cargo shortage claims.

Shipbuilding / Offshore construction disputes

International Arbitration (London, 2024). Adam is instructed on behalf of a cruise line in a dispute relating to an agreement for the architectural and interior design of a cruise ship.

International Arbitrations (London, LMAA Rules, 2016-2019). Adam was instructed for the purchasers of 14 Ultramax newbuilding vessels in a series of disputes against two shipyards in the far east. The arbitrations raised complex technical issues concerning the design and construction of the vessel’s propulsion systems and fuel consumption, as well as legal issues concerning contractual interpretation and the ‘prevention principle’. Adam was led by Roderick Cordara KC.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2019). Adam was instructed as sole counsel on behalf of a Korean shipbuilding and marine engineering yard in arbitration proceedings concerning the construction and installation of helicopter decks on board offshore drilling rigs.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2013-2014). Adam was instructed for the buyers of a chemical tanker vessel in a delivery dispute. The arbitration raised issues relating to the construction and safety of the vessel, including the emergency fire suppression system. Adam was led by Simon Bryan KC (now, Mr Justice Bryan).

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2012-2014). Adam was instructed to act on behalf of a shipyard in a delivery dispute concerning a 176,000 DWT cape size bulk carrier. The arbitration lasted six weeks and included allegations concerning the construction and testing of the vessel. Adam was led by Roderick Cordara KC and Jern-Fei Ng (now, KC).

Ship sale/purchase disputes

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2025). Adam is instructed as counsel for the claimant in an arbitration to release a retention sum held in escrow following the sale and purchase of a vessel that was subsequently repaired.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2025). Adam is instructed on behalf of bareboat charterers / buyers in two disputes arising out of the exercise of options to purchase two oil tankers. Adam is led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2022). Adam was instructed as counsel for bareboat charterers / buyers in a dispute arising out of the exercise of an option to purchase a container vessel, which was subsequently arrested in Australia. Adam was led by Steven Berry KC.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2022). Adam was instructed as counsel for the sellers in disputes arising out of the sale of three vessels during the after-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

M.T. “Vessel 1” & M.T. “Vessel 2” (Commercial Court, 2020). Adam acted as counsel for the respondents to oppose the continuation of two worldwide freezing orders in connection with two ship sale and purchase agreements.

Ship Management Disputes

International Arbitration (London, ongoing). Adam is instructed on behalf of ship managers in a dispute relating to the management of a newbuild fishery patrol vessel.

International Arbitration (London, 2023). Adam is instructed for ship managers in the context of a dispute concerning a redelivery dispute and claims to access records and documents.

International Arbitration (London, LMAA Rules, 2019). Adam was instructed on behalf of a shipping pool and charterers in arbitration proceedings concerning the termination of several time charterparties.

Yachts

International Arbitration (London, 2025). Adam is instructed on behalf of a yacht construction yard in a dispute relating to an alleged breach of arbitration agreement and alleged warranty claims in respect of a luxury yacht.

International Arbitration (London, 2022). Adam was instructed on behalf of yacht owners in a dispute concerning the private charter of a yacht and tender, involving issues of breach and force majeure relating to Covid-19.

International Arbitration (London, 2022). Adam was instructed on behalf of yacht owners in a dispute concerning a private charter of a yacht in the Caribbean, involving issues of and alleged breaches of contract.

Career

August 2014: SEC International Advanced Advocacy Course, Keble College, Oxford

April / May 2014: Bar Council Exchange Programme in Seoul, South Korea

October 2011: Tenancy at Essex Court Chambers

2010-2011: Pupillage at Essex Court Chambers

2010: Call, Lincolns Inn

Education

2009-2010: Bar Vocational Course, BPP Law School

2008-2009: LLM Commercial Law (First Class), Magdalene College, Cambridge University

2004-2008: BA Jurisprudence (English and French Law) (First Class) Magdalen College, University of Oxford

University of Paris ll (Panthéon-Assas) (ERASMUS, Diplôme en Droit Français) 2007

Awards