TS Oon & Partners (TSOP) boasts one of Malaysia's strongest shipping practices, standing out as one of the few law firms in the country with a dedicated shipping team. The firm's lawyers possess the expertise to handle a comprehensive range of shipping matters both in Malaysia and across the region. In recent years, TSOP has represented numerous China-based enterprises in complex, large-scale shipping and trading disputes, marine joint ventures, and corporate restructuring cases. Oon Thian Seng, who heads the firm's shipping practice, is a key figure known for his adept handling of transactions involving highly technical issues. His expertise is regularly sought by clients in diverse sectors including banking, oil and gas, international trade, insurance, shipping and construction industries.
Work highlights
Acting for Dalian Developer Drilling and COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian) to obtain a declaratory order that the full equitable and legal title to the vessel is retained by the clients.
Acting for the owners of the vessel Oriental Dragon to defend an action initiated by Asia Capital Commodities Trade for costs incurred for the operation and maintenance of the vessel during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Representing Black Swan Petroleum DMCC (BSP) in a significant shipping industry dispute involving the alleged wrongful conversion of fuel oil claimed to be of Iranian origin. This case challenges the jurisdictional reach of the US Department of Justice, questioning its authority to execute seizure warrants against non-US entities for cargo outside US territory. A key legal issue is whether a party has the right or obligation to surrender cargo to the US Department of Justice based on a seizure warrant, and if such a warrant justifies the failure to return the cargo to BSP. The outcome could set a precedent for international maritime law and trade regulations.
Key clients
Macsteel International Far East, Maritime Silk Route International Shipping, Premium Vegetable Oils.
