HFW: Leading the Way in Sector-Focused Legal Expertise

HFW, an international law firm renowned for its deep sector knowledge and global reach, has been dedicated to industries such as shipping and insurance for more than 140 years, with a team of experienced professionals operating across key financial centers worldwide. Yaman Al Hawamdeh, Rob Lawrence and Abdulrahman Al-Ohaly, Partners at HFW, speak to Robban Assafina about how the firm's commitment to sector-focused excellence drives it to exceed client expectations and help them navigate complex legal landscapes with confidence.

First, can you give us a brief overview of HFW, its expertise and recent developments?

HFW is an international, sector-focused law firm with a geographical footprint of 21 offices and more than 700 expert lawyers. Given our long history serving the shipping and maritime industry for more than 140 years, we are widely recognized as the world's leading shipping and logistics law firm. In 2024, HFW is proud to be the leading shipping and international trade practice of any international law firm in the Middle East region, for both disputes and transactional matters.

With HFW’s offices in the Middle East region, how do you see the growth of the region as it becomes a 'major center'?

HFW has been dedicated to the Middle East for nearly two decades, reflecting its commitment to the region and its clients. Recognizing the Middle East's crucial role in global trade, the firm has invested heavily in building a network of offices with top-tier lawyers to provide exceptional legal support. With around 80 lawyers across four regional offices, HFW plans to expand further over the next 3-5 years to meet the demands of major infrastructure projects in trade, logistics, and transport.

How does HFW offer global advice throughout the shipping lifecycle and address international regulatory challenges?

Our shipping lawyers provide a comprehensive service to the global maritime business community spanning the entire shipping life cycle, from design to recycling. We have specialist teams to deal with issues and matters which arise throughout ships' lifecycle. This includes transactional and disputes issues. It also includes a team of master mariners spread across our network to assist with causalities. Our working ethos is to "provide our clients, at the point of service, with the resources of a global team." In practice that means our 200+ shipping lawyers working seamlessly together on a daily basis, across multiple jurisdictions. 

How does the participation of HFW in the Saudi Maritime and Logistics Congress 2024 contributes to its growth in the Saudi market?

HFW is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia's 2030 Vision, particularly through its involvement in the Kingdom's maritime sector. The firm is actively advising on major maritime projects and is proud to sponsor the Saudi Maritime & Logistics Congress for the second consecutive year. HFW's Middle East team has participated in this event since its inception, contributing their expertise and discussing global best practices. Additionally, HFW is investing further in the region with the recent launch of its new entity, Holman Fenwick Willan Law Firm, officially licensed by the Saudi Ministry of Justice. This expansion enhances HFW’s ability to support growing client interests in Saudi Arabia and strengthens its position in the region.

Given the challenges and regulations imposed on the maritime industry, HFW strives to maintain a steady and successful relationship with its clients. What can you tell us about this and the main challenges you’re facing?

Our experience, established relationships, market position and broad understanding of the issues in the sector provide us with a unique insight into how the regulatory landscape in the region is constantly evolving and leaves us well placed to deliver a study into maritime legislation. Clearly and as you would expect, in any other fast growing jurisdiction, the regulatory landscape develops slower than the commercial and business growth. This can be challenging sometimes but it will however provide opportunities for legal practitioners to participate in the progress of the regulatory landscape as well as providing Government agencies with a stronger view on best approach and to apply best industry practices which serves the stakeholders in the sector and the best interest of the Kingdom.       

How does HFW ensure that its team remains well-informed and skilled in the face of evolving industry standards and client needs?

HFW's lawyers possess deep industry knowledge of the region, allowing them to effectively navigate the impact of new laws and practices on clients. The firm supports this expertise with a dedicated knowledge management team of eight senior lawyers and specialized counsel. This team ensures that relevant legal and industry information is readily accessible, enhancing the quality and efficiency of legal advice. HFW creates standard documents, shares know-how firm-wide, and provides comprehensive training.

How does having specialized lawyers and Master Mariners across diverse regions enhance your ability to provide comprehensive legal advice throughout the shipping lifecycle?

Globally and away from the Middle East, we have huge bench strength and are home to many of the world's leading shipping lawyers across Europe, Asia and the Americas qualified in a wide range of jurisdictions. HFW's multi-jurisdictional aspect is strengthened due to our offices working together closely to provide the most effective solutions for clients throughout the entire shipping cycle. 

What are the most significant regional differences you've observed in shipping law, and how does your firm tailor its services to meet these diverse requirements?

HFW leverages its 140 years of experience in shipping to navigate the varying local legislations across the globe. Recently, new maritime laws have been introduced in Oman, UAE, and KSA, and HFW has been actively involved in their development. The firm prioritizes assisting shipowners and marine stakeholders as these laws take effect, as these regional legislative updates present opportunities for HFW to support the industry during this period of transformation.

What emerging trends in maritime law do you see as most influential for the future, particularly in areas like cyber law, environmental regulations, or the impact of digital transformation on shipping such as autonomous ships?

We note that the new laws across the region cover freight forwarding and logistics services which was not previously covered in the old law. This is not a surprise with the expanding logistics chain causing marine and transport operators to try and consolidate their services and operations. We also see a new approach to environment and sustainability. This includes a bigger role for marine regulators to make improvements on the environmental front and enforce new duties on vessels and crew to respond to pollution. In addition, the new law has laid down the foundation for digital transformation in carriage of goods by recognizing and introducing digital bills of lading. We have also seen this move taken by some local regulators, including the Dubai Maritime Authority which introduced digital delivery orders with regards to the containers industry in Dubai.

Are there any new operational agreements in the Arabian Gulf and Middle East regions, similar to your partnership with the Emirates Shipping Association, aimed at providing legal and strategic support?

We are committed to supporting the maritime communities across the region. Our participation with Emirates Shipping Association is a great example of our contribution to the UAE maritime community.HFW worked on the set up of Emirates Shipping Association and its formal establishment as the first and only registered public marine association in the UAE since 2020 until 30 November 2022 when it was formally launched. We currently work and advise the association on its day-to-day operation. The association aims to connect maritime stakeholders together, bringing a global perspective to the regional maritime industry. From issues of safety to sustainability, to embracing new platforms and innovations, the association offers its UAE members a shared voice to shape the future of the marine industry in the UAE. We look forward to engaging in similar projects for other communities and hopefully soon in Saudi Arabia.