Stephenson Harwood has hired a new shipping expert to its marine and international trade team.

Former associate Michelle Yong rejoins the firm after a brief stint at Ince & Co where she was previously a consultant.

Yong acts for ship owners, protection and indemnity clubs and cargo companies in contentious shipping matters. She has drafted and negotiated commercial contracts on shipbuilding, ship charters, ship sale and purchase, offshore contracts and commodities contracts. She has also represented banks on financial litigation matters, as well as major oil companies, wind farms, shipyards, national airlines and other multinational businesses on commercial transactions.

In one transaction, she advised on Opus Offshore’s acquisition of semi-submersible rigs and its 2014 strategic joint venture with Songa Offshore.

Stephenson Harwood operates in Singapore as a member of the Stephenson Harwood Singapore Alliance, a formal law alliance with local law firm Virtus Law.