The maritime industry is a complex and ever-evolving sector, requiring expertise in both technical operations and legal frameworks. Among the distinguished professionals bridging these two domains, Ritesh Kaushik stands out as one of India's most celebrated maritime lawyers.
A DMET alumnus & DMECA Member, Ritesh has successfully transitioned from being a chief engineer onboard ships to becoming a leading advocate in maritime law. Today, he is widely regarded as a top legal expert in commercial, admiralty, and insurance disputes in India and internationally.
A Career Anchored in Maritime Excellence
With over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry, Ritesh Kaushik has developed specialist knowledge in International Maritime Law, English Law, and Indian Law. His journey has been marked by a blend of technical acumen as a marine engineer and legal prowess as a maritime lawyer, making him a highly sought-after consultant in the field of shipping disputes, claims, and recoveries.
Educational and Professional Credentials
Ritesh's impressive academic and professional credentials include:
LLM Maritime Law, UK
LLM Legal Practice (Solicitors), London
LLB (India & UK)
B.Tech (Marine), DMET Kolkata
Member, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London
Fellow, Institute of Marine Engineers (India)
Supporting Member, LMAA (London Maritime Arbitrators Association)
Member, Baltic Expert Witness Association (BEWA)
A Leading Advocate in Maritime Law
Ritesh is a practicing advocate at the Bombay High Court and the founding partner of Kaushik & Associates, a law firm with offices in Mumbai, Delhi, and Meerut. His legal expertise spans across maritime commercial disputes, admiralty law, marine insurance claims, arbitration, and mediation.
As a Techno-Legal Expert, he has played a pivotal role in:
Advising shipowners, P&I clubs, charterers, and marine insurers on legal and technical matters.
Representing clients in ship arrests, maritime casualties, bunker disputes, and cargo claims.
Acting as a consultant in international maritime mediation and arbitration cases.
Providing legal counsel for vessel sales, shipbuilding contracts, and offshore energy disputes.
Key Cases and Achievements
Ritesh has worked on high-stakes cases involving multi-million-dollar claims and has represented international clients in complex legal proceedings. Some of his major contributions include:
Successfully defended several high value General Average claims through his techno-legal expertise for international shipping interests.
Successfully negotiating a $450,000 settlement revised from $200,000 in a shipping casualty dispute.
Acting as Independent Counsel for international shipping interests in London Arbitrations for high value Freight, Demurrage and Detention claims.
Representing UAE-based, Singapore, London based clients in commercial and cargo claims worth over several millions USD.
Drafting and reviewing offshore contracts for several international shipping companies. Singapore-based maritime firms.
Handling onboard injury and death claims for Indian clients against international shipowners.
Marine Engineering Expertise: A Chief Engineer’s Legacy
Before embarking on his legal career, Ritesh served as a Chief Engineer (Marine) with over 15 years of sea experience. His technical expertise spans LPG Tankers, Ro-Ro Vessels, General Cargo Ships, and Bulk Carriers. He has led numerous engineering teams in:
Dry dockings, change of flag/class surveys, and vessel sale/purchase transactions.
Safety inspections, bunker operations, and internal/external audits.
Investigating machinery failures and processing marine insurance claims.
This hands-on experience has given him a unique perspective in dealing with technical and legal challenges in the maritime sector.
Thought Leadership and Industry Contributions
Beyond legal practice, Ritesh has made significant contributions as a thought leader and educator in the maritime domain. His published works include:
"Casualty-Exhaust Gas Boiler Fire Risks" – Published in Lloyd’s List (2021).
"Liability of an Insurer for Non-Payment of Marine Insurance Claims."
"Marine Cyber Risks: Legal Frameworks and Insurance Regulations."
Additionally, he is currently co-authoring a book on handling maritime casualties, collaborating with industry experts, master mariners, and legal scholars.
Legal Career Highlights
WE COX Claims Group, London (2020-present) – Representing cargo interests in high-value maritime claims and mediation proceedings as consultant on per case basis.
Kaushik & Associates, India (2019-present) – Partner handling global shipping claims, offshore contracts, and dispute resolutions.
Edge Group, London (2018-2019) – Consultant for Lloyd’s underwriters, managing marine hull, machinery, and cargo claims.
Ewan & Co. Solicitors, London (2016-2017) – Legal intern assisting in property law, insurance claims, and maritime disputes.
Achievements and Recognitions
Winner, London International Shipping Week 2017 Competition – Best idea for "Tomorrow’s Business Solutions" in the maritime industry.
President’s Prize by Paragon Shipping Inc., Greece – For "Most Successful Candidate Overall" in the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London (2013).
Lead Presenter, LLM Challenge Competition, UK (2016) – 1st Runner-Up Team.
Fellow, Institute of Marine Engineers (India)
Fellow, AMICIE and MADRASS – India-based commercial maritime associations.
Trainer and Mentor – Guiding young maritime professionals through legal and technical challenges.
A Vision for the Future
Ritesh Kaushik’s dual expertise in maritime engineering and law makes him a trailblazer in the shipping and legal industries. As a legal strategist and consultant, he is committed to helping maritime stakeholders navigate complex legal landscapes with practical, technical, and legal insights.
His firm, Kaushik & Associates, continues to expand its reach, offering comprehensive legal and technical consultancy services for shipping companies, insurers, and maritime professionals worldwide.
Contact Information
Phone: +91 9319 309 727 / +91 745 201 7949
Email: rk@kaushikandassociates.com
Website: www.kaushikandassociates.com