Alexander Freeman

About me

I’m a partner in the firm’s Shipping team, focusing primarily on dry shipping law, including disputes arising from charterparties, cargo claims, S&P (MOA) disputes, contracts for the carriage of goods by sea and general risk management.

My practice is very diverse and my client base equally so, consisting of shipowners, charterers, traders and their insurers and P&I and Defence Clubs based in Greece, EMEA, the United States, Australasia and Latin America. While the issues clients instruct me on often have commonalities, I take care to tailor my service to the specific needs of each client, applying a strategic as well as a legal focus to achieve a robust, efficient and cost-effective resolution.

My ability to think creatively as a lawyer is an important asset, as is the need to keep the commercial ‘big picture’ in mind. I take a practical and an often ‘outside-the-box’ approach to solving problems and resolving disputes, while always keeping my clients fully informed and consulted. I’m also a CEDR qualified mediator with a track record of resolving disputes through ADR.

Away from work, I embrace my passion for opera and instrumental music, following a number of years training as a classical musician prior to becoming a lawyer. Even today, I find music helps unlock the mind to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

My experience

• Law Society of NSW
• Associate to the Hon Mr Justice Davies and Hon Mrs Justice McCallum of the New South Wales Supreme Court.
• CEDR Accredited Mediator (effective Nov 2025)
• Successfully co-acting for the claimants and their Managers NGM Energy in Delos Shipholding S.A. & Others -v- Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty S.E. & Others (The Win Win) [2024] EWHC 719 (Comm).
• Recent LMAA Arbitration award, favourable to charterer clients, obtained in relation to a frustrated contract.
• Recent LMAA Arbitration awards (jurisdiction and liability), favourable to shipowner clients, obtained in relation to a jurisdictional challenge as well as the substantive dispute involving liability under a Contract of Affreightment.
• Recent LMAA Arbitration award in relation to Sellers’ disclosure obligations under a S&P contract.

Awards and accolades

• Next Generation Partner – Shipping Litigation, Legal 500 2026