Clive Navin Selvapandian

Clive graduated from Northumbria University with an LL.B (Hons) (2006) and holds an LLM in Maritime Law from the University of Southampton (2014). At Southampton, he read Admiralty Law, the Law on the Carriage of Goods by Sea, International Trade Law (CIF and FOB contracts), and Marine Insurance.

He was called to the Bar of England and Wales at the Middle Temple (2008) and to the Malaysian Bar (2009). He is also an Advocacy Trainer on the Malaysian Bar’s Advocacy Training Courses.

Clive passed the Maritime Arbitrator’s Fellowship Course organised by the Singapore Institute of Arbitrators and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration. He also completed the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre’s Tribunal Secretary Training Programme. Clive qualified as an accredited mediator in 2022, under the auspices of the Malaysian International Mediation Centre.

clive [at] website address

Highlights

SIAC Arbitration (May 2024 to Present): Lead counsel for the Claimant in a shipbuilding dispute, representing Dutch shipbuilders. Arguments centre on whether the shipbuilding contracts were novated and whether there was delay in the building of the Offshore Patrol Vessels. This international arbitration is before a three-member tribunal. The claim is valued at €3.6 million.
Lead counsel in the Federal Court, Court of Appeal and the High Court for a shipowner in a collision claim caused by a barge under tow. The judgments considered whether discrepancies in the Marine Department’s investigation nevertheless allowed the claimant to arrest the barge for damage: Owners and/or Demise Charterers of the Ship or Vessel ‘KKD000132-T’ & Anor v. Owners of the Ship or Vessel ‘MY Ferry 2’ [2021] MLJU 738, Court of Appeal; Owners of the Ship or Vessel ‘MY Ferry 2’ v. Owners and/or Demise Charterers of the Ship or Vessel ‘KKD000132-T’ & Anor [2020] MLJU 298, High Court.
Lead counsel in the Court of Appeal in a claim against a vessel buyer, who bought the vessel whilst she was under arrest. The question that arose was whether the claimant's right to keep the vessel arrested had been lost by laches due to its failure to seek a judicial sale. See the High Court’s judgment (where Clive was junior counsel) at: Majorole Shipping Sdn Bhd v. The Owners and/or other persons having interest in the ship or vessel ‘Semua Bahagia’ [2019] 1 LNS 2397.

Career Accolades

Clive Navin Selvapandian is a standout figure in the shipping practice, recognised for his deep expertise in maritime law and his ability to deliver innovative solutions to complex legal issues. Clients value his sharp analytical skills and practical advice that aligns with their business objectives.
Legal 500, 2026 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian stands out for his responsiveness and genuine willingness to assist. Clive is approachable, solutions-oriented, and consistently goes the extra mile, making him a reliable partner who is truly invested in supporting his clients’ needs.
Legal 500, 2026 (Hall of Fame)

Clive demonstrates a deep expertise in shipping law, a solid understanding of the commercial realities of the industry, and a pragmatic approach to resolving issues efficiently.
Chambers, 2026 (Band 2)

Clive is a very professional and trustworthy lawyer who understands the commercial aspects of matters and can think outside the box when the case requires.
Chambers, 2026 (Band 2)

He has vast and in-depth knowledge on the law and is able to provide commercial and practical advice.
Chambers, 2025 (Band 2)

Clive Navin Selvapandian is a well-regarded maritime arbitrator, with experience across the vast spectrum of both dry and wet work.
Legal 500, 2025 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian is able to attend to complex issues in a timely manner and comprehensively. He is a skilled counsel, navigating through voluminous documents and compounded matters.
Legal 500, 2025 (Hall of Fame)

Clive is a highly capable lawyer who is able to identify issues with speed and accuracy, assessing which items carry risk for clients and advising accordingly.
Chambers, 2024 (Band 2)

Clive is very prompt with his legal advice and is very accessible. He gives no legal jargon, but practical and commercially friendly solutions that we can understand and work with very easily.
Chambers, 2024 (Band 2)

Clive Navin Selvapandian is professional, always maintains his composure and is accommodating.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian possesses exceptional expertise in international trade, shipping, and maritime law. Despite his seniority, Clive maintains a lean practice, making him easily accessible.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

A fast thinker, Clive Navin Selvapandian can swiftly break down complex questions into concise and practical commercial solutions. His commercial, savvy nature makes collaborating with him a seamless and straightforward experience.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

I have the privilege of working directly with Clive Navin Selvapandian, and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with his ability to provide comprehensive solutions. One aspect of Clive’s approach that I particularly admire is his unwavering commitment to putting clients first with practical, tailored advice.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian has helped us in finding practical legal solutions and providing effective legal advice in shipping matters. Clive is willing to accommodate to our inquiries promptly and efficiently with his in-depth knowledge in the field.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian makes sure that his client is satisfied with his work and can rely on him whenever.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

Clive Navin Selvapandian has always been very helpful with his advice.
Legal 500, 2024 (Hall of Fame)

Clive is one of those lawyers who is able to comprehend issues and complexities fast, and therefore, he is able to provide a practical approach to issues.
Chambers, 2023 (Band 2)

Clive is responsive and ever willing to share his experience and expertise when it comes to the relevant shipping acts.
Chambers, 2023 (Band 2)

Clive Navin Selvapandian is always ready to assist and provide practical input, supported by his in-depth knowledge and experience of maritime law. His willingness to support my team at any time is greatly appreciated.
Legal 500, 2023 (Leading Individual)

I have only worked with Clive Navin Selvapandian. He is very reliable, responsive and knowledgeable. He gives valuable, comprehensive and practical advice.
Legal 500, 2023 (Leading Individual)

I have had very pleasant experiences with Clive Navin Selvapandian from CLO. He has been very helpful, generous and forthcoming with his advice. He is also very knowledgeable in his area of practice and most of his advices are very practical in nature.
Legal 500, 2023 (Leading Individual)

He has an active practice advising clients on a broad range of contentious shipping matters.
Chambers, 2022 (Band 3)

Clive is always sharp in his analysis, and very approachable. The firm also advises on oil shipment and trading matters. He and his team are very responsive and trustworthy.
Legal 500, 2022 (Leading Individual)

Clive Navin Selvapandian has an active practice advising clients on a broad range of contentious shipping matters. According to a client, he ‘listens well to what we say and is helpful in diagnosing causes of problems faced, helping to solve them amicably.
Chambers, 2021 (Up and Coming)

Jainil Bhandari leads the team and is present on shipping disputes alongside Clive Selvapandian, an expert on dispute resolution, who is active on litigation and arbitration, including insurance claims and dry shipping and maritime disputes.
Legal 500, 2021 (Leading Individual)

Clive Navin Selvapandian advises clients in relation to shipping disputes, including collision, charter party and cargo cases. One client attests: ‘He makes the effort to explain issues in depth to us.
Chambers, 2020 (Up and Coming)

Clive Selvapandian delivered a timely, professional and personal service to our valued client.
Legal 500, 2020 (Leading Individual)

Clive Navin Selvapandian is an up-and-coming practitioner who has a strong track record on both wet and dry shipping disputes. One client reports: ‘He is knowledgeable, very prompt and offers clients a lot of comfort as he speaks in very simple terms and delivers what is needed.
Chambers, 2019 (Up and Coming)

The ‘very objective, sharp and solution-oriented’ Clive Selvapandian is a shipping and trade disputes specialist.
Legal 500, 2019 (Leading Individual)