On March 19, 2025, Campbell Johnston Clark (CJC) hosted a panel discussion at their London office to explore the recent updates to the UK Standard Conditions for Towage and Other Services (UKSTC 2024). The event attracted professionals from across the maritime industry, including tug owners, P&I clubs, brokers and insurers all eager to understand the implications of these revisions.

The panel included:

• Helen McCormick, Director at CJC
• Robert Merrylees, UKSTC Review Panel member, representing the UK Chamber of Shipping and British Tugowners Association
• Alex McCooke, Coordinator of the UKSTC Review Panel and Syndicate Manager at The Shipowners’ Club
• Robert Shearer, UKSTC Review Panel member and Senior Claims Executive, Offshore Syndicate at The Shipowners’ Club

The discussion delved into the key changes introduced in the UKSTC 2024, the motivations behind these amendments, and their practical ramifications for stakeholders. Attendees gained valuable insights into how the revised conditions would affect contractual relationships  within the towage sector and the management of tug and tow claims.

Helen McCormick, who moderated the panel, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to our esteemed panel members for sharing their expertise and to our engaged audience for their thoughtful contributions. Your participation was instrumental in making this discussion a success.”

For those interested in further information or in obtaining materials from the event, CJC encourages reaching out to Charlotte Ward, Head of Marketing at events@cjclaw.com. The firm remains committed to facilitating educational initiatives and looks forward to hosting similar events in the future to support the maritime community.