The families of those who died or were injured aboard the Lamma IV may be entitled to more compensation than passengers on the public ferry Sea Smooth under complex maritime insurance rules, experts say.
Both vessels were insured through the Shipowners Club, a marine liability insurer based in Singapore.
The claims would cover the loss of present and future earnings, medical bills and other costs related to the collision.
Mike Hammond, the insurer's claims manager, confirmed that two Hong Kong law firms were retained to handle legal and insurance issues for each ship.
Reed Smith Richards Butler is acting for Hongkong Electric and Lamma IV, while Holman Fenwick Willan will represent Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry. Two marine and engineering consultants - Andrew Moore and Associates and LOC Group - have also been retained.