Italian independent NCTM has launched a shipping practice with the hire of a team from local firm Conte & Giacomini.

Shipping partners Alberto Rossi and Alberto Torrazza joined NCTM's Milan office earlier this week, bringing with them a team including associates Valerio Scarsi and Sara Dameri.

The practice has been launched as the Italian firm moves to increase the number of specialisations it offers.

NCTM senior partner Paolo Montironi said: "Law firms specialising in shipping have always been limited to a few coastal cities, as if inherited from the old marine republics, and Italy has a strong tradition in maritime transport, shipbuilding and shipping law.

"This practice fits well into our ambition to cover all specialisations of law relevant to the Italian economy. Our choice has also been influenced by the huge synergies that this practice gives us with our offices in London, where shipping has dug its roots, and Shanghai, which is one of the most important ports in the world."

NCTM launched its office in Shanghai last summer, marking the firm's first presence in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside its other bases in Milan, Rome, Verona, London and Brussels.

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