Sebastian Longhurst

Partner

Sebastian is an Partner at Winter & Co. He specialises in all aspects of dry shipping work, providing advice to ship owners, charterers, P&I Clubs and property insurers with regard to all shipping matters. This includes Charterparty disputes and cargo claims, demurrage disputes, off-hire disputes in addition to speed and performance disputes.

Sebastian has a considerable amount of experience, both assisting and as the lead case handler, in disputes in the High Court, LMAA Arbitration, SIAC and HKIAC. His recent work highlights include:

• Successfully assisting with the obtaining of two anti-suit injunctions in the High Court in respect of proceedings being commenced in foreign jurisdictions (contrary to the jurisdiction clause in the Charterparty).
• Representing Owners in a demurrage claim brought in London Arbitration for US$670,000.
• Advising and assisting the successful intermediate carrier in the recent Weco Projects APS -v- Loro Piana and Others [2020] EWHC 2150 (Comm) High Court dispute involving the loss of a US$34 million Yacht the 'My Song' where consideration was given to the Recast Brussels Regulation.
• Proving urgent advice and guidance with regard to a number of large bunker contamination claims for Owners and Charterers respectively.
• Enforcing a number of Arbitration Awards in foreign jurisdictions.
• Representing Owners in a number of multi-million cross border disputes: in particular a recent dispute involving 13 different vessels and sums in excess of US$6 million.
• Representing Owners in an off-hire dispute brought in London Arbitration for US$150,000.
• Advising a major P&I insurer on the effect of COVID-19 restrictions and potential applicable clauses.
• Advising shipowners as to the effects of the grounding of the 'Ever Given', specifically as to the lodging of claims against the Limitation Fund.

He also has experience in a number of non-contentious matters including making and appealing Freedom of Information Requests and has advised client insurers on issues of insurance coverage, Iranian and Russian sanctions, Venezuelan sanctions, as well as assisting in the review and drafting of charterparties for charterer and owner clients.

Throughout his legal career, Sebastian has also been involved in a number of high-profile cases including the Supreme Court decision in The Ocean Victory. He has also co-authored an article for La Cour Internationale d’Arbitrage Maritime et Aérien (CIAMA) titled ‘Maritime Arbitration: Specialisations and Benefits’. In addition, he has been involved in a number of mediations (both large scale and via the Early Intervention Mediation procedure).

Sebastian qualified in September 2020 after successfully completing the LPC with the University of Law.

In his spare time, Sebastian enjoys baking (and is attempting to perfect his cookie recipe) plus going to the theatre and enjoying good food!