Ince has bolstered its shipping team again by recruiting a new partner from rival Campbell Johnston Clark (CJC).

The international law firm said Eric Eyo joins in London after seven years at CJC, where he was most recently a senior associate.

Ince added that Eyo has been involved in a number of significant shipping disputes.

He has particular expertise in shipping contracts, including charterparties, contracts of affreightment, bills of lading and shipbuilding agreements.

London team sees big growth in 2020

Eyo has also worked at Eversheds and Clifford Chance.

The maritime division in London was strengthened earlier this year with the arrival of 10 fee earners from specialist shipping law firm Bentleys, Stokes and Lowless.

Julian Clark was brought in as global senior partner and Stuart McAlpine as global head of marine projects.

Master mariner Martin Dalby also joined as a partner to further strengthen the firm's wet shipping capabilities.

"Someone of Eric’s ability and experience is a huge benefit to our team that continues to go from strength to strength," said Clark, a founding partner of CJC.

“Our ability to consistently offer our clients the best legal and professional advice is our absolute priority and bringing Eric on board reflects that ambition.”

Eyo added that Ince has a "revered" reputation in shipping.

"I am looking forward to using my experience in assisting Ince’s clients and helping the team continue to provide the highest level of service to its international client base," he said.

Singapore expansion

Last week, Ince's Singapore unit — Incisive Law — beefed up its admiralty practice with two new recruits.

Extra master mariner Binoy Dubey joined as admiralty manager from Reed Smith, where he held the same role.

The group said James Ng had also been recruited from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, where he was previously managing marine, emergency preparedness and security matters during an eight-year stint.

“Over the course of this year, we have continued to invest in the quality of our offering to clients by strengthening what were already market-leading teams,” said Adrian Biles, chief executive of parent Ince Group.

“Bringing Eric into our leading maritime division is proof of that, whilst both his knowledge and experience in the sector will enable our clients to receive the very best legal advice.”