Jan Heuvels’ early departure as senior international partner at Ince & Co has left one of the ­biggest names in shipping law looking for fresh leadership and direction.

It is understood Heuvels’ four-year contract still had six months to run when he decided to stand down this week and continue as a partner at the firm.

He remains in charge of the drive to expand in the Far East from his base in Hong Kong, where he has been operating since last October.