Richard Cooper

About me

I’m a marine manager in our Piraeus office, specialising in shipping law with a focus on marine casualties and commercial litigation.

I advise shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, marine insurers and salvors on both wet and dry matters, including collisions, salvage, general average, charterparty disputes and cargo claims.

I’ve represented clients in proceedings before the English High Court, Australian courts and in LMAA, LOF and SIAC arbitrations. As a dual-qualified solicitor in Australia and New Zealand, complemented by a postgraduate degree and hands-on experience in the shipping industry, I offer a unique blend of legal expertise and practical commercial insight.

My approach is collaborative and commercially focused; I listen closely, assess risk clearly and help clients resolve complex disputes with confidence. Outside the office, I mentor junior lawyers and support others entering the maritime sector. Shipping runs in my blood, and that early exposure still fuels my passion.

My experience

• Successfully represented shipowners in multiple collision disputes, including securing a 0% liability judgment in a high-profile trial before the English Admiralty Court.
• Acted for shipowners in various general average disputes, particularly in relation to causative unseaworthiness issues following high profile casualties.
• Acted for both salvors and shipowners in numerous LOF arbitrations and ‘common law’ salvage claims.
• Acted for both tug owners and tow owners (and their respective insurers) regarding towage contract wording and disputes.
• Acted for both shipowners and insurers in relation to coverage disputes, including a high-profile coverage claim in the London High Court following the total loss of a vessel.
• Acted for shipowners and their insurers regarding various charterparty disputes, including in relation to repudiatory breaches, demurrage claim, stevedore damage disputes and unsafe port claims.