UK law firm HFW is boosting its shipping practice with the promotion of three female lawyers.

The maritime specialist said Claire Womersley will become a partner on 1 April, with Caroline Murphy and Katherine Noble becoming legal directors.

Womersley covers all aspects of crisis response and ensuing litigation arising from marine casualties.

"Claire has supported clients with large scale casualty management for a number of the firm's high profile cases, particularly those involving mass fatalities and natural disasters," HWF said.