Arthur James

Full Profile

Arthur has had a long career specialising in admiralty and transportation law, with particular focus on contentious shipping law and, latterly FI cover and advice, specifically to the reinsurance market. During this time, Arthur has acted for ship owners, hull insurers and cargo interests and, having represented De Beers and Namibian Minerals Corporation, has considerable experience in the offshore diamond mining industry, specifically with regard to the charter operation dispute regime and insurance of offshore mining vessels.

Arthur has also gained extensive experience dispensing road transportation advice to insurers, dealing predominantly with marine cargo policies. He has also advised Santam, Etana/Hollard and Senate (specialist road transportation insurers) and has dealt with all aspects of transportation ranging from transport vehicle hijacking, loss and damage during transport, and, coverage advice in the last 15 years.

Arthur also has significant experience in construction dispute arbitration under both JBCC and FIDIC agreements, as well as corporate insolvency and restructuring expertise.

He earned his LL.B. from the University of Pretoria in 1982 and was admitted as an attorney of the Western Cape High Court in 1985.  Arthur is a member of the Cape Law Society and Maritime Law Association.

Arthur continues to be recognised as an expert in Shipping by Chambers & Partners 2018, who noted, "His long-standing expertise in the South African market spans a wide range of admiralty and transportation matters, including casualty response, arrests and cargo damage claims. His skill in insurance and related disputes is confirmed by clients, who say: 'He has excellent marine insurance knowledge.' He represents a number of shipping lines, owners and hull insurers." Arthur also has contributed to the Global Directors and Officers Deskbook.

Experience

Arthur's previous experience includes:

• Representing a global shipping line in claims arising from the damage to vessels arising from collision with an oil rig
• Advising on corporate disputes and restructurings, including schemes of arrangement for major listed national and international companies, and in relation to securitisations
• Advising in relation to the liquidation of a large minerals corporation in Africa