Hakirat S. H. Singh is a Master Mariner and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) with over 30 years of expertise in marine insurance, casualty investigations, dispute resolution, and international arbitration. Holding an LL.M. in maritime law, he regularly advises on hull and machinery insurance, P&I Club matters, and transport liability claims.
He has extensive arbitration experience, having served as sole arbitrator, party-appointed arbitrator, and tribunal chairman in disputes involving insurance claims, bill of lading disputes, charterparty disagreements, agency agreements, and shipbuilding matters.
Over the course of his career, Hakirat has conducted more than 150 marine casualty investigations on behalf of marine insurers and P&I Clubs. His versatile roles include arbitrator, expert witness, casualty investigator, and claims consultant.
Hakirat began his maritime career with Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), sailing on container ships and product tankers. He later joined American Eagle Tankers, serving as a deck officer in the U.S. oil trade and advancing to Chief Officer on Aframax tankers. He obtained his Class 1 Master Mariner’s Certificate of Competency in Singapore.
Throughout his career, Hakirat has contributed extensively to the shipping industry, taking on diverse roles such as:
a) Marine Surveyor & Risk Management Consultant – Conducting ship and port facility risk assessments.
b) P&I Club Representative & Casualty Investigator – Investigating casualties and representing insurers on board stricken vessels post-salvage.
c) Expert Witness & Legal Consultant – Providing evidence in arbitration and court cases.
d) Author & Speaker – Contributing to Halsbury’s Laws of Singapore and presenting at the 19th International Congress of Maritime Arbitrators (ICMA) in Hong Kong.
His expertise spans marine insurance (P&I, H&M, Loss of Hire, War, Delay), charterparty disputes, admiralty claims, ship sale & purchase agreements, and international arbitration. With his unique blend of seagoing experience, legal training, and arbitration credentials, Hakirat delivers authoritative dispute resolution in maritime and commercial matters.
Hakirat is available for arbitral appointments, expert witness engagements, and consultancy services in maritime, insurance, and transport-related disputes.
