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Geoff Farnsworth

Partner - Sydney

Areas of Expertise

Corporate & Commercial Law, Agribusiness, Dispute Resolution & Litigation, Transport, Shipping & Logistics

Contact Geoff

+61 2 8083 0416 0419 721 221 geoff.farnsworth@holdingredlich.com Connect

Expertise

Geoff is one of Australia’s leading transport and commodities lawyers with 25 years' experience in the field. He has been recognised in the latest Chambers Asia-Pacific guide for providing strategic and effective legal advice in the shipping space and has been listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia as a leading lawyer in 'Transportation Law', 'Shipping & Maritime Law' and 'Trade Law' since 2013.

Geoff has also been recognised as a leading ‘Admiralty, Shipping & Maritime Law’ lawyer by Doyle’s Guide since 2016. In 2022, he was named by Who’s Who Legal as a global leader in the shipping space.

Geoff practices in complex commercial, disputes and regulatory matters for clients involved with Transport, Agribusiness and Energy and Resources.

Geoff works closely with industry associations and brings a close working knowledge of industry practices to his legal advice.

He advises clients in relation to dispute resolution (including domestic and international arbitration); Admiralty claims and ship arrest; ship sale and purchase; port logistics; regulatory matters; domestic and international sale of goods; trade finance and insurance; governance, business structures and competition law.

Experience

Transport

Geoff represents shipowners and carriers in relation to liability, Admiralty and regulatory matters as well as stevedoring and terminal operator’s agreements and sale and finance of vessels.

He regularly acts for domestic transport operators and their directors in relation to 'Chain of Responsibility' prosecutions and safety related matters.

Geoff also advises providers and consumers of logistics services (including manufacturers and retailers) in relation to long and short-term contractual arrangements. He has drafted various standard-form contract documents including charterparties, contracts of affreightment and bills of lading.

Geoff advises local and international marine insurers in relation to coverage and claims issues.

Energy and resources

Geoff advises resources companies, producers and financiers in relation to logistics and sale of goods and enforcement issues including supply and off-take agreements and issues relating to title to goods.

Publications

22 March 2023 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin

#Government, #Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)

In this edition, we look at the relevance of ESG to governments and their agencies, the impact of ESG on public policies and priorities, and the challenge of balancing priorities and social mores.

11 November 2022 - Knowledge

The ambiguity in determining the 'owner' of a vessel

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics

We revisit a dispute between Ixom Operations and Blue One Shipping and consider how maritime lawyers can avoid making a claim against the wrong party before being time-barred.

27 October 2022 - Knowledge

Armada v Woodside Energy: Steps to validly terminate a contract

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics

The legal saga between the two companies bring into focus the circumstances when a contract may be terminated and the careful steps a party needs to follow to ensure that a contract is validly cancelled.

25 October 2022 - Knowledge

ACCC makes a move on Dairy Code compliance

#Private Client Practice, #Agribusiness

A case reminds all dairy processors that breaching the Dairy Industry Code of Conduct may result in ACCC enforcement action, including court proceedings.

31 August 2022 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin

#Government, #Data & Privacy

In this edition, we remind government agencies that the use of automated decision-making tools need to be balanced against transparency and explainability requirements.

22 June 2022 - Knowledge

Unpacking greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in transport, ESG and supply chains

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics, #Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), #Planning, Environment & Sustainability

The Australian transport industry needs to find ways to export goods over long distances efficiently and, at the same time, balance the pressure from ESG investors to ‘decarbonise’ and enhance sustainability practices. In this article, we unpack the meaning of GHG emissions across the sector and ESG in supply chains. 

15 June 2022 - Knowledge

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) explained: Five important considerations for companies and their lawyers

#Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), #Corporate & Commercial Law, #Dispute Resolution & Litigation, #Planning, Environment & Sustainability

The term ‘ESG’ is becoming increasingly popular in the world of business and investment. Apart from knowing that it stands for environmental, social and governance, what does the term really mean and why is it important for your business?

23 March 2022 - Knowledge

Royal Caribbean Cruises appeal – the ship master’s power of detention at common law

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics, #Dispute Resolution & Litigation

A recent decision of the NSW Supreme Court has clarified a ship master’s authority at common law to detain or confine a passenger while on board a vessel on the high seas.

24 November 2021 - Knowledge

NSW Government Bulletin

#Government, #Dispute Resolution & Litigation

In this edition, we explore whether government agencies should consider arbitration as an alternative to litigation.

13 September 2021 - Knowledge

 Hub Street appeal – what does it mean for arbitration in Australia?

#Dispute Resolution & Litigation

We review a case where enforcement of an international arbitration award was refused on appeal – is this a ‘reality check’ for Australia’s pro-arbitration position?

11 May 2021 - Knowledge

Invoking force majeure under your transport contract: Are you protected when things go off the rails?

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics

The NSW Supreme Court has scrutinised a force majeure clause when considering whether a carrier had indemnified the owner of goods against damage caused when a train derailed.

05 May 2021 - Knowledge

Can a buyer’s invalid vessel nomination entitle a seller to terminate its FOB contract?

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics

In a significant decision, the Commercial Division of the High Court in London considers the nomination of vessels under a ‘Free On Board’ contract, and when a substitute vessel can be nominated, even when ‘time is of the essence’.

27 April 2021 - Knowledge

Are foreign arbitration clauses in online contracts enforceable?

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics, #Dispute Resolution & Litigation

The case between Instagram and Australian tech company Dialogue Consulting demonstrates that foreign arbitration clauses in online contracts will be binding.

27 April 2021 - Knowledge

A vision for the future of Australian exports

#Transport, Shipping & Logistics, #Renewable Energy

The use of ‘green ammonia’, like hydrogen, to power vessels is an emerging area in the industry. How will this change the game for Australian exporters?

Upcoming Seminars

20 Mar 23 to 31 Mar 23

In-house counsel CLE webinar series 2023

This year's national program will take place over a two-week period from 20 to 31 March 2023, providing you with a checklist of skills for the year ahead including: building a high performing legal team culture, an update and a practical approach to legal ethics, steps to improve the effectiveness of professional communication and legal research skills. Registration for all webinars is now open and complimentary.

Register now

02 Apr 23

The future of productivity and competition in the ports sector

In January 2023 the Productivity Commission released its final report into Australia’s maritime logistics system, with the primary focus on the ports sector. In this session, our team will unpack and explore some of the key findings and recommendations, to help you focus on port productivity initiatives and position yourself well in relation to any new or increased regulation in the sector.

Register now

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