Navigating complex cross-border disputes
Geoff Farnsworth is an international independent commercial arbitrator and senior maritime and commodities lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in navigating complex cross-border disputes.
Appointed as arbitrator and tribunal secretary in maritime, trade, commodities and transport disputes, and regularly acts as counsel in international arbitrations. Recognised globally for expertise in shipping, admiralty, agribusiness and energy disputes, with deep procedural knowledge, strong case management capability and commercially grounded decision-making.
Experience
Appointments as Arbitrator
Sole and co-arbitrator in maritime and trade disputes involving charterparties, cargo claims and marine insurance.
Arbitrator in commodities disputes involving oil, metals and minerals, grain and agricultural supply chains.
Determination of jurisdictional challenges and procedural applications.
Experience conducting hearings in person and virtually; procedural timetabling and evidentiary rulings.
Tribunal Secretary Roles
Tribunal secretary in international and domestic commercial arbitrations involving shipping, commodities and energy disputes.
Assisted tribunals with procedural orders, evidence management and draft awards.
Counsel Experience in Arbitration
Lead counsel in domestic and international arbitrations under institutional and ad hoc rules.
GAFTA arbitrations involving commodities and trade disputes.
Enforcement of arbitral awards and foreign judgments in Australian courts.
Emergency relief, interim measures and security applications.
Memberships & Roles
President, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (Australia Branch)
SIAC (Singapore International Arbitration Centre) List of Arbitrators
GAFTA (Grain and Feed Trade Association) arbitrator
LMAA, Supporting member prepared to accept appointments
HKMAG, Supporting member
SCMA (Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration) Panel Member
MLAANZ (Maritime Law Association of Australia & New Zealand), Arbitration Panel
Fellow, Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration (ACICA)
Grain Trade Australia, Arbitration Panel Member
Sector Expertise
Shipping & Admiralty – bill of lading disputes and cargo claims, ship arrests, charterparties, marine insurance, ship and super-yacht sale, purchase and construction.
Commodities & Agribusiness – GAFTA disputes, sale of goods including oils, metals and minerals, supply chain contracts and industry Codes of Conduct, including cotton, rice, dairy and sugar.
Transport & Logistics – regulatory compliance, liability regimes, Chain of Responsibility.
Energy & Resources – ESG, offtake agreements, carbon markets, renewable fuel schemes.
International Trade – INCOTERMS, trade and project finance, competition law and sanctions, governance and regulatory frameworks.
Qualifications & Admissions
Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
Diploma in Arbitration – GAFTA
Professional Certificate in Arbitration – University of Adelaide
Bachelor of Arts; Bachelor of Laws – Australian National University
Admitted as Solicitor – Australia; England & Wales (non-practicing)
Professional Recognition
Chambers Asia-Pacific – Recognised for Shipping & Maritime
Best Lawyers Australia – Transportation, Shipping & Maritime, Trade Law (since 2013)
Who’s Who Legal – Global Leader in Shipping
Doyle’s Guide – Leading Admiralty & Maritime Lawyer
Mondaq Thought Leadership Award – Australia