Norton Rose Fulbright has been named The Best Maritime Law Firm at the inaugural Maritime Excellence Awards 2017 in Durban. The multi-award winning transport team is led by Master Mariner, Malcolm Hartwell, the only master mariner in South Africa who is a director at a law firm.

The South African admiralty, shipping and marine practice is widely regarded as a leader in domestic and cross-border shipping legal services. The team has played a leading role in every major marine casualty case off the South African coast over the past 20 years. They have drafted regulations governing port terminals across Africa, advised regulators and appeared before the transport committee in Parliament. Further achievements include authoring numerous chapters and articles including the International Cargo Insurance book. Their memberships extend across various associations including the Maritime Law Association of South Africa.

The Maritime Excellence Awards recognise the achievements of companies associated with the maritime sector within KwaZulu-Natal.