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Steel Expert Witness Experience

Overview

Andrzej M Kotas brings over 20 years of specialized experience in steel industry expert witness work, with a distinguished track record in international arbitration and litigation. The team's expertise spans technical analysis, commercial disputes, and quantum calculations across multiple jurisdictions and arbitration centers worldwide. For useful resources, see our expert witness links directory.

Professional Credentials

Andrzej holds internationally recognized professional qualifications that demonstrate his expertise and standing in both the materials science and consulting professions. For more details, see our complete credentials and memberships:

International Scope

Andrzej's expert witness practice operates at the intersection of the world's major steel producing regions and international arbitration centers. His team's work spans disputes involving steel operations and trades across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. The SteelExpertWitness team has provided expert evidence and testimony in leading arbitration venues including London (LCIA), Paris (ICC), Singapore (SIAC), Hong Kong (HKIAC), Geneva, and The Hague. For relevant industry developments, see our steel litigation news coverage.

This global reach aligns strategically with the steel industry's international nature, where cross-border transactions, complex supply chains, and multi-jurisdictional disputes are commonplace. Cases have ranged from steel plant design and performance issues to cargo damage claims, pricing disputes, quality specifications, and raw material supply disagreements. Watch our expert witness video interviews for insights into our approach. The map below illustrates representative case types across these major steel producing regions and arbitration centers:

Core Expertise Areas

Market & Pricing Analysis

Specialist in steel and raw material pricing disputes, with extensive experience in:

• Quantum of damages calculations for pricing disputes
• Historical price reconstruction and analysis
• Value-in-use calculations for steel grades and iron ore qualities
• Freight cost modelling and INCOTERMS conversions
• Contract price mechanism interpretation
• Market disruption impact assessment

Commercial Disputes

Comprehensive experience in contract-related litigation including:

• Breach of contract analysis
• Quality specification disputes
• Delivery and non-delivery claims
• Force majeure assessments
• Trade finance and letters of credit
• Commercial terms interpretation

Technical Analysis

In-depth understanding of steel production processes and equipment. Our expert team provides:

• Plant performance evaluation
• Equipment capability assessment
• Production efficiency analysis
• Quality control procedures
• Metallurgical investigations
• Process optimization reviews

Geographic Experience

Andrzej's expert witness work spans major steel-producing regions and international arbitration centers globally. His team's international experience includes providing expert evidence and testimony in:

European Jurisdictions

• United Kingdom: High Court (Chancery Division), commercial courts, and LCIA arbitrations in London
• Continental Europe: ICC arbitrations in Paris, cases in Geneva and The Hague
• Regional Coverage: Cases involving steel operations and trades across Western and Eastern Europe including Finland, Greece, Luxembourg, Norway, Romania, and Ukraine

Asia-Pacific Region

• Singapore: SIAC arbitrations and commercial disputes
• Hong Kong: HKIAC arbitrations and maritime cases
• India: Cross-border disputes involving major steel producers and raw material suppliers
• Thailand & Pakistan: Regional steel trade and quality disputes

Middle East & Africa

• Turkey: Multiple cases involving steel pricing, billet supply, iron ore markets, and payment disputes
• UAE & Qatar: DRI quality disputes and scrap pricing cases
• Africa: Steel plant design (Angola), pricing disputes (Tanzania)

Russia & CIS

• Russia: Steel scrap quality disputes
• Ukraine: Off-specification billet supply cases

This global reach aligns strategically with the world's primary steel producing and trading regions, where major international arbitration bodies operate. To discuss your requirements, please get in touch.

Case Value Experience

Andrzej has handled disputes across a wide range of claim values. See our latest updates on recent case developments:

• High-Value Cases: $250m+ international arbitrations involving major steel producers and traders
• Mid-Range Disputes: Commercial cases ranging from $500K to $5M
• Technical Assessments: Equipment performance and quality disputes of varying quantum
• Complex Multi-Party: Cases involving multiple claimants, respondents, and cross-claims

Arbitration Body Experience

Andrzej and his team have provided expert evidence in arbitrations conducted under the rules of major international arbitration institutions:

• ICC (International Chamber of Commerce): Paris-based arbitrations involving international steel trade
• LCIA (London Court of International Arbitration): London arbitrations for European and global disputes
• SIAC (Singapore International Arbitration Centre): Asia-Pacific commercial arbitrations
• HKIAC (Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre): Regional trade and shipping disputes
• Ad Hoc Arbitrations: Various institutional and ad hoc proceedings

Case Type Specializations

Shipping & Maritime

• Cargo damage claims (corrosion, contamination, physical damage)
• Salvage valuations
• Freight cost calculations
• Bill of lading disputes
• Charter party disagreements

Raw Materials

• Iron ore quality and pricing disputes
• Coking coal specifications
• Steel scrap pricing and quality
• DRI and HBI supply agreements
• Pig iron contracts

Steel Products

• Semi-finished products (billet, slab, bloom)
• Flat products (plate, hot rolled coil, cold rolled coil)
• Long products (rebar, wire rod, bar, sections)
• Coated products (galvanized, organic coated)
• Specialty steels (stainless, engineering steel)

Plant & Equipment

• Rolling mill performance disputes
• Casting machine issues
• Furnace operations (EAF, BOF)
• Equipment supply and installation
• Technology transfer agreements

Career Timeline

Methodological Approach

The Team's expert witness methodology is characterised by:

• Rigorous Analysis: Detailed examination of technical and commercial evidence with meticulous attention to detail
• Data-Driven: Extensive use of historical pricing databases, technical specifications, and industry benchmarks
• Multi-Perspective: Ability to analyze issues from all angles, considering alternative interpretations
• Clear Communication: Translation of complex technical and commercial issues into accessible expert reports
• Court-Ready: Experience in preparing comprehensive expert reports that withstand cross-examination
• Independence: Unwavering commitment to objectivity and duty to the tribunal/court

Technical Capabilities

Analytical Tools

• Proprietary historical pricing databases for steel and raw materials
• Freight cost modeling systems covering global routes
• Statistical analysis tools for price trend analysis
• Value-in-use calculation methodologies
• Quality specification comparison frameworks

Industry Knowledge

• Deep understanding of steel production processes from raw materials to finished products
• Comprehensive knowledge of international trade practices and INCOTERMS
• Familiarity with major steel standards (ASTM, EN, JIS, GB)
• Understanding of trade finance instruments (letters of credit, bills of lading)
• Knowledge of steel industry market dynamics and price formation, supported by academic research and publications

Recent Law Firm Instructions

Recent instructions have included work for leading international law firms across multiple jurisdictions:

• Clyde & Co LLP, UK (multiple instructions 2022-2025)
• HFW, UK (2020, 2022)
• Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP, UK (2021, 2022)
• Hill Dickinson LLP, Singapore (2023)
• Bird & Bird ATMD LLP, Singapore (2018)
• Addleshaw Goddard, UK (2019, 2020)
• DAC Beachcroft LLP, UK (2022)
• Beale & Company Solicitors LLP, UK (2021)
• Jackson Parton, UK (2023)
• Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co, India (2021)
• Thomas Cooper LLP, UK (2018)

Client and case details remain strictly confidential in accordance with professional obligations. See testimonials from professional colleagues to learn more about working with our expert team.

Professional Development

Andrzej maintains currency in expert witness practice through:

• Active membership in the UK Register of Expert Witnesses
• Ongoing professional development in expert witness standards and procedures
• Regular monitoring of steel industry developments and market trends
• Participation in professional bodies (IOM3, Institute of Consulting)
• Continuous updating of pricing databases and technical knowledge

Why Choose This Experience?

Clients benefit from:

• Proven Track Record: 20+ years of successful expert witness engagements
• International Credibility: Experience across major global arbitration centers
• Technical Depth: Comprehensive understanding of steel production and trading
• Commercial Acumen: Strong grasp of pricing mechanisms and market dynamics
• Professional Recognition: FIMMM and FIC credentials demonstrating senior expertise
• Rigorous Methodology: Data-driven analysis with attention to detail
• Clear Communication: Ability to explain complex issues accessibly
• Court Experience: Comfortable under cross-examination

For more information about how this experience can support your case, please see our complete profile or review our professional standards.