Ryan Norval

Ryan Norval is a Principal Solicitor and Notary Public in Queensland advising on maritime, offshore and commercial matters across Australia and internationally. He acts for shipowners, marine businesses, insurers, high-net-worth clients, government and international interests in disputes, regulatory matters, transactions and cross-border issues.

Dual-qualified in Australia and South Africa, Ryan brings an uncommon combination of advanced legal training and practical operational experience to maritime practice. He holds a Master of Law degree and, before practising in Australia, spent more than a decade in the offshore oil and gas sector in operational and management roles. His maritime qualifications include Ballast Control Operator, Barge Master, Offshore Installation Manager and Marine Coxswain, giving him real insight into vessel operations, offshore risk, marine compliance, casualty response and technically complex factual issues.

Ryan advises on maritime and commercial disputes, cross-border litigation strategy, regulatory investigations, marine contracts, chartering, joint ventures, vessel and business transactions, and governance and risk matters. His experience includes advice on coastal trading, port and marine liability, commercial structuring, bareboat charter arrangements, and matters involving regulators including AMSA, MSQ and the GCWA.

Before admission in Queensland, Ryan practised from private chambers in South Africa after being called to the Bar in 2005 as a Barrister (Advocate). His background in advocacy, arbitration and complex disputes continues to inform his approach to contentious matters, particularly where a matter turns on technical evidence, operational context or cross-jurisdictional issues.

• Dual-qualified in Australia and South Africa, with substantial cross- border maritime and commercial experience
• Holds a Master of Law degree, complementing practical maritime and offshore expertise with advanced legal training
• Offshore operational qualifications including Ballast Control Operator, Barge Master, Offshore Installation Manager and Marine Coxswain
• Advises on coastal trading, port and marine liability, chartering, joint ventures and marine commercial arrangements
• Experience dealing with regulators including AMSA and MSQ
• Practical experience in offshore and ship-repair environments, informing advice in technically complex disputes and transactions.

Clients value Ryan’s commercially focused and practical approach. He combines legal analysis with real operational understanding, enabling him to identify risk early, understand how maritime and offshore businesses actually function, and deliver clear advice in matters that are urgent, technical or strategically sensitive.