David Goldstone QC

David regularly advises in relation to ship-finance related issues, including (in particular) claims under letters of credit and ship mortgage and priority issues.

David was for many years recommended by Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500 as one of the top two or three juniors in the country in shipping and international trade and is familiar with virtually every aspect of the field. He was "rightly rewarded with silk" (2007 Legal 500 - shipping) in 2006 and since then has gone from strength to strength. In recent years, he has been described as "a first-class brain who is exceptionally clever, analytical and incisive" (2007 Chambers and Partners – shipping and commodities), and as "absolutely phenomenal", "runs rings around the opposition and can grasp complex issues exceptionally quickly" (2009 Chambers and Partners - Shipping and commodities). He particularly enjoys commodities disputes and issues arising out of shipping and commodities derivatives markets.

Reported cases include:

Thoreson v. Fathom Marine [2004] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 622
Meaning of “sub details” in sale of ships ‘en bloc’ (Commercial Court)

Exxonmobil v. Texaco [2003] 2 Lloyd`s Rep. 686
Effect of inspection clause in c.i.f. sale of bulk diesel (Commercial Court)

Veba v. Petrotrade [2002] 1 Lloyd`s Rep. 295
Effect of final and binding expert determination in f.o.b. sale of gasoil (Commercial Court and Court of Appeal)

Boliden Ore v. Dawn Maritime [2000] 1 Lloyd`s Rep. 237
Estoppel and identity of shipper under bill of lading. (Commercial Court)

The “MC PEARL” [1997] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 566
Enforcement of foreign jurisdiction clause in multi-party bill of lading dispute where foreign claim time-barred. (Admiralty Court)

The “ARCTIC TRADER” [1996] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 449
Whether implied term that master under duty to clause mate’s receipts for cargo shipped if not in apparent good order and condition. (Court of Appeal)

The “GREGOS” [1995] 1 Lloyd's Rep. 1
Law as to illegitimate last voyage orders. (House of Lords)

In the construction field, David regularly advises clients in relation to ship building disputes and yacht refurbishment.

His energy-related practice includes claims arising out of the carriage and sale of oil cargoes, oil pollution issues and claims for oil and gas pipeline damage.

Reported cases include:

Alegrete Shipping v. IOPC (The “SEA EMPRESS”) [2003] 1 Lloyd`s Rep. 237
Liability for economic loss arising out of oil pollution (Admiralty Court and Court of Appeal)

Caltex Trading v. Metro Trading [1999] 2 Lloyd’s Rep. 724  
Jurisdiction in relation to receivership order arising out of insolvency of oil storage facility (Commercial Court)

Although primarily a shipping specialist, David occasionally acts for individuals and companies in relation to non-shipping commercial matters, such as claims for commission, claims arising out of options and futures contracts, intellectual property disputes and joint ventures.

Tavoulareas v. Tsavliris [2007] 1 WLR 1573
Recognition of judgment under articles 33 and 34 of Regulation EC 44/2001 (Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Regulation) (Commercial Court and Court of Appeal)

David has acted in countless arbitrations (in particular but not limited to LMAA, LOF, LCIA and ICC). He is able to advise on all aspects of arbitration law and practice.

Seabridge Shipping v. Orssleffs A/S [1999] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 685
Incorporation by clause paramount and whether arbitration properly commenced. (Commercial Court)

Cathaship v. Allansons (The “CATHERINE HELEN”) [1998] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 511  Application of Centrecon arbitration clause to indemnity claim. (Commercial Court)

David regularly advises and acts in insurance matters, primarily (although not exclusively) in relation to marine-insurance related issues. He was counsel for the assured in the NORTH STAR litigation which involved a total loss claim arising out of the loss of a bulk carrier in Piraeus by bombing. The case went to the Court of Appeal in relation to important issues on the law of non-disclosure. In the General Commercial and Insurance section of the 2007 edition of the Chambers and Partners directory he was described as "an effective advocate and a first-class cross-examiner who leaves witnesses nowhere to go.”

Reported cases include:

North Star Shipping Ltd and Others v. Sphere Drake Insurance Plc and others [2006] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 183

Claim for total loss of bulk carrier by bombing (Commercial Court and Court of Appeal)

David is an accredited CEDR mediator

David is a leading Admiralty practitioner. Between 1999 and 2006 he was the Admiralty Junior and in that capacity was responsible for advising and acting for the United Kingdom Government in relation to admiralty and related shipping matters.

Reported cases include:

Club Cruise v. The Department for Transport [2009] Lloyd's Rep. Plus 5
Alleged conversion of cruise ship (Commercial Court)

R. v. Fogg ex p Ministry of Defence [2007] QB 96
Applicability of War Graves legislation to merchant vessels. (Administrative Court and Court of Appeal)

The “SIBOEVA” [2002] 2 Lloyd`s Rep. 210
Collision in Dardanelles traffic separation zone. (Admiralty Court)

The “NIASE” [2000] 1 Lloyd`s Rep. 455
Limitation of liability under Oman maritime law. (Admiralty Court)

The “TURIDDU” [1998] 2 Lloyd's Rep. 278

Priority of bank mortgage. (Admiralty Court)

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