Maritime and Shipping Law Attorneys

Understanding Maritime and Shipping Law

Maritime and shipping law encompasses a broad range of legal issues related to activities on navigable waters. This includes the ownership, operation, and regulation of vessels – such as cargo ships, yachts, and fishing boats – as well as the trade of goods by sea. It's a highly specialized area of law requiring a deep understanding of international treaties, national regulations, and established maritime customs.

Key Areas of Practice:

• Cargo Claims: Disputes arising from damage, loss, or delay of goods transported by sea are a core focus. This involves investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, assessing liability under various conventions (such as the Hague Rules and the Rotterdam Rules), and pursuing claims against responsible parties.
• Collision and Allision Claims: When vessels collide or strike another object (like a dock or another vessel), resulting in damage, our attorneys handle the complex legal proceedings involving liability determination, insurance coverage, and damage assessments.
• Wreck Removal and Salvage: Maritime law governs the recovery of sunken vessels and their cargo, and the rights and responsibilities of salvors involved in these operations. We advise on legal aspects of wreck removal, salvage contracts, and associated claims.
• Vessel Financing and Registration: We assist clients with the registration of vessels, navigating the complexities of maritime financing, and ensuring compliance with relevant registration requirements.
• Ship Arrestment and Enforcement: In situations where a vessel is necessary to satisfy a debt, our legal team can initiate arrest proceedings to prevent the vessel from leaving a jurisdiction and ensure enforcement of judgments.
• Charterparty Disputes: Disputes relating to contracts for the hire of vessels (charterparties) are frequently litigated. We provide strategic advice and representation to clients involved in these disputes.

Relevant Legal Frameworks: Maritime law is governed by a combination of international conventions, national legislation, and common law principles. Key instruments include:

• The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• The Hague Rules and Rotterdam Rules (cargo convention treaties)
• National laws relating to maritime liens, salvage, and vessel registration.

Why Choose Us? Our experienced attorneys possess a deep understanding of maritime and shipping law and have significant experience in handling complex commercial disputes. We are committed to providing practical, strategic advice and advocating for our clients' interests. We diligently investigate all aspects of a maritime claim to build a robust case.