Ince has strengthened its worldwide shipping team by poaching Stuart McAlpine from rival Clyde & Co.
The experienced lawyer joins the UK-headquartered law firm as a partner, becoming global head of marine projects and finance.
McAlpine is described as a "well known and highly respected figure in the shipping world with more than 30 years’ experience advising clients in London, Singapore and Paris".
Ince added that he has worked on complex, cross-border transactions in the maritime sector, especially gas and LNG.
"Ince is committed to maintaining the best global shipping team in the market," said Adrian Biles, chief executive of parent The Ince Group.
"Stuart is a hugely experienced and respected lawyer, who has dedicated decades of his life to the maritime and energy industries. His deep understanding and knowledge of these industries will be invaluable for Ince as we continue to develop and grow."
McAlpine joined Clyde in 2014 from Mayer Brown's banking and finance team.
He said on Thursday: "Ince’s hard-fought reputation in the sector is renowned and demonstrates the high quality of its lawyers. I look forward to working as part of an industry leading team and utilising my experience to help the firm prosper."
McAlpine is the latest in a number of significant hires for Ince since it was bought by Gordon Dadds in 2018.
Julian Clark was brought in from Hill Dickinson as senior partner, while Mark Tantam joined as global head of consulting and Alexander Janes as head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
The shipping division was bolstered in January with the arrival of 10 fee earners from specialist marine law firm Bentleys, Stokes and Lowless. They joined the team in London.
Partnership ceased
The January takeover of Bentleys, Stokes and Lowless saw it add 10 lawyers plus two other staff.
The smaller firm had specialised in advising on admiralty and shipping law for more than 80 years.
The partnership ceased when the team joined Ince.
Late last year, Ince said a key short-term focus would be expanding internationally after waves of resignations and the firing of its Singapore chief for molesting several women. It already had three new partners in Hong Kong and another in Gibraltar.
In December last year, the firm was reportedly on the hunt for Chinese partners.
