Maritime

Shipping is at the heart of our firm. With deep-rooted experience in the maritime industry and an international outlook, we advise clients on the legal and commercial challenges of owning, operating, financing and employing vessels. From complex transactions to high-stakes disputes, our work reflects an understanding of the contractual relationships, operational realities and international regulatory frameworks that shape global shipping.

We represent shipowners, charterers, operators, managers, cargo interests, insurers, P&I Clubs, shipyards and financial institutions, providing advice on both contentious and non-contentious maritime matters. Our principal focus is commercial shipping, with experience extending to offshore operations and yachting, and spanning vessel transactions, chartering, ship management, marine insurance, maritime claims and international dispute resolution.

Transactional & Commercial

Our transactional work encompasses the sale and purchase of vessels, shipbuilding and repair contracts, charterparties, ship management agreements and other maritime commercial arrangements. We advise on time, voyage and bareboat charterparties, contracts of affreightment, bills of lading and other contracts governing the commercial employment and operation of vessels.

We also assist with vessel registration, flag selection and re-flagging, classification, corporate ownership structures, ship finance, loan and leasing arrangements, mortgages and related security interests. Our involvement extends to the establishment and restructuring of shipping companies, joint ventures and special purpose vehicles, as well as the contractual arrangements governing vessel management and operation.

Maritime transactions and operations also require consideration of applicable international regulations. We advise on flag state requirements, maritime safety, pollution liability, environmental obligations, sanctions and regulatory compliance, including requirements arising under SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and other international maritime conventions.

Contentious & Dispute Resolution

Dispute resolution is a defining part of our maritime work. We represent clients in disputes involving charterparty performance, cargo loss or damage, shortages, delays, demurrage, detention, off-hire, contractual breaches and the interpretation of maritime agreements. Our experience also extends to marine insurance, casualties, collisions, salvage, general average, maritime liens, vessel arrests and the enforcement of maritime claims.

We advise from the earliest stages of a developing dispute, including the preservation of evidence, appointment of experts, contractual notices and the assessment of liability and available remedies. We represent clients in maritime litigation and international arbitration, including proceedings under the terms of the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) and the rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) and International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

We also advise on jurisdictional challenges, interim protective measures and the recognition and enforcement of arbitral awards, including where proceedings or enforcement involve multiple jurisdictions. Where disputes cross borders, we coordinate with trusted local counsel, technical experts and other advisers, maintaining a consistent legal strategy and a single point of contact for our clients.

Yachting

Our maritime work also extends to private and commercial yachts and leisure craft. We advise owners, buyers, sellers and other stakeholders on yacht acquisitions and disposals, construction and refit contracts, ownership structures, registration, chartering, management and operation.

We also assist with yacht financing, insurance and regulatory matters and represent clients in disputes involving delivery delays, defects, warranty claims, charter arrangements, management agreements and operational liabilities.

The international character of shipping frequently requires legal advice extending beyond maritime law itself. Our experience in commercial contracts, corporate transactions, finance, insurance and international trade allows us to address the wider legal considerations arising from maritime operations and investments.

We understand that shipping is an industry in which time, commercial certainty and decisive action matter. Whether negotiating a vessel acquisition, advising on a charterparty, addressing an operational difficulty or representing a client in complex international proceedings, our commitment is to provide legal advice grounded in the realities of the maritime industry and directed towards protecting our clients' commercial interests.