Gavin Fitzmaurice

Cape Town Managing Partner at Webber Wentzel

Speaker

Gavin holds multiple key roles at Webber Wentzel, including Cape Town Managing Partner, Executive Committee Member, and Shipping Partner. With a career spanning back to 1992, Gavin has extensive experience in major maritime litigation arising from disasters and casualties.

His expertise encompasses all aspects of casualty investigations and emergency response, including significant involvement in cases related to major marine pollution and marine environmental issues, wreck and salvage matters, as well as handling access to crew, ships and related documents. He has a proven track record in conducting evidence-taking proceedings on commission, subsequent trial and arbitration work, and appearances in courts of marine enquiry and boards of inquiry.

Gavin's proficiency extends to the comprehensive spectrum of arrest work, covering ships, cargo, bunkers and other assets. He is well-versed in handling enforcement proceedings, obtaining security for both local and foreign legal actions, and managing complex associated ship arrests. Gavin also has a strong foothold in port-related legal matters, representing clients both for and against ports, alongside their underwriters and reinsurers. He possesses deep knowledge in dealing with Club matters, encompassing defence and P&I issues, serving the interests of both owners and charterers. Throughout his career, Gavin has played a pivotal role in numerous precedent-setting legal decisions and judgments, contributing significantly to the evolution of maritime law in SA.

His expertise extends to mortgage foreclosures, judicial ship sales, and related commercial work, as well as marine and transport insurance and associated cargo claims. He has successfully handled cases involving loss of life and personal injuries in the marine context and has experience in ship repair matters, including related arbitration proceedings. Gavin served as the President of the Maritime Law Association of South Africa (MLA) from 2018 to 2020 and chaired the Cape Chapter of the MLA from 2007 to 2017.

He has also made substantial contributions to legal education as an external examiner for the University of Cape Town's Admiralty Law Department for several years. Currently, Gavin chairs the MLASA's Government Liaison sub-committee and holds the position of the MLA's Comité Maritime International (CMI) Rapporteur.