Van Buuren specialises in trade, maritime and aviation matters and provides advice on the regulation of shipping in Australia, ship sale and purchase, ship building contracts, charter party disputes, cargo and personal injury claims, commercial hull claims including collisions, groundings and salvage.

His practice also includes international trade matters particularly for solid bulk and bulk liquid cargoes.

Within the aviation industry, van Buuren advises insurers, aircraft owners and operators, freight forwarders and shippers on cargo and personal injury claims, as well as insurance claims for both hull and liability, aircraft charters, operators and airport user agreements.

"Ernest's expertise will add further breadth and depth to our transport capabilities here in Australia and throughout the region," said managing partner, Don Boyd.

"He will strengthen our offering to clients in the important oil and gas sector. His expertise in ship sale and purchase will also add to our existing capabilities in financial institutions."