ZBA is a boutique firm best known for its banking, shipping, dispute resolution and debt capital markets capabilities. The firm specialises in complex commercial disputes, with a focus on maritime law. It works with owners, offshore contractors, banks, mortgagees, charterers, cargo underwriters, insurers and reinsurers, protection and indemnity clubs, shipyards, commodity traders and financial investors. Managing partner Zarir Bharucha is a respected figure for shipping disputes. He is often nominated as an arbitrator for shipping-related arbitrations in the London Court of International Arbitration and he is a member of the maritime sub-committee of the IBA. Partner Niloufer Lam leads the transactional practices.
Client feedback
“Provides timely responses.” – Insurance
“Very proactive and efficient.” – Shipping
Zarir Bharucha
“Intelligent and proactive.”
“Zarir is very experienced, not only in the law but also in a commercial sense, and understands what our member is looking to achieve.”
“Personable, articulate, professional and commercially minded.”
“Very positive and subject-specific knowledge.”
Work highlights
Represented issuer REC on an update of its $10 billion global medium term note programme.
Advised Bharat Petroleum Corporation on its issue of rated, listed, unsecured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures on a private placement basis.
Work highlights
Advised REC on four external commercial borrowing transactions totalling $1.715 billion.
Acted for borrower Power Finance Corporation on its $600 million loan from a bank syndicate.
Key clients
ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, State Bank of India.
Work highlights
Acting for Sportking India in its dispute with Orient Overseas Container Line over loss of cargo in the Calcutta High Court.
Advised Glory Ship Management and Maritime Mutual Insurance Association on recovery of wreck removal expenses under the terms of a charter party.
