Recent work has included advising on funding the construction of new vessels, with a combined value of more than £100 million. These projects, commissioned by Scottish businesses, span a number of shipping sectors including offshore, cargo, ferries and pelagic fishing, with construction taking place in Europe and South East Asia.

Brodies has also responded to a number of maritime incidents involving cargo, dredging, fishing vessels and ferries. The ports sector continues to be an area of strong activity, with the firm providing ongoing advice to Stornoway Port Authority and Lerwick Harbour Authority on large-scale expansion plans to grow their offering to cruise ships, fishing and decommissioning projects .

In response to client demand, the firm has expanded its support to the shipping and transport sector with the appointment of four lawyers across its Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen offices.

Victoria Anderson joins the Glasgow office as senior associate, with more than 10 years’ experience acting for clients in health and safety matters including prosecutions, fatal accident inquiries and high value liability cases.

The Edinburgh office sees the appointment of Fehmida Hanif as associate, who has 10 years’ experience of handling claims in transportation and other sectors, and solicitor Thomas Mulhall, who has considerable experience in the insurance market.

Brodies’ shipping practice also grows in the north east with the hire of solicitor Maggie Nicoll who joins the Aberdeen office, specialising in contract disputes and personal injury cases in the offshore and fishing industry.

Duncan MacLean, shipping partner at Brodies, said: “Since the end of last year, we’ve seen an increase in demand for legal advice in shipping and transport. Transactional activity is being driven by clients who are getting on with their own agendas and investing in newbuilds, some of which will operate from the North east – Fraserburgh, Orkney and Shetland – while others will be deployed in coastal and European trade.

“On the regulatory and litigation side, we’re seeing demand both for immediate response services and advice, and in relation to the proceedings and disputes that follow.

“Victoria, Fehmida, Thomas and Maggie bring a blend of knowledge and experience to the firm, adding further strength to our existing specialisms in claims, insurance, contractual regulatory and health & safety work. Their appointments are indicative of our ongoing commitment to recruiting and developing excellent people who can share new knowledge and insight, not just with our own colleagues, but with the businesses of our clients.”