Shipping & International Commerce

Our Shipping & International Commerce practice provides comprehensive legal services to businesses engaged in maritime trade and international commerce. The complexities of global shipping and trade require in-depth expertise in both maritime law and international commercial transactions, and our team is equipped to navigate these intricacies. From vessel registration and charter agreements to dispute resolution in global trade matters, we offer strategic guidance to ensure that your operations remain compliant, efficient, and protected in an increasingly regulated industry.

We assist clients in addressing the legal and operational challenges involved in shipping, including vessel management, international shipping regulations, and cross-border trade agreements. Whether drafting bareboat charters, advising on international customs and Incoterms, or resolving disputes related to transportation documents and demurrage, our approach is centered on aligning legal strategies with your business objectives. Our experience in handling matters before maritime and admiralty courts, combined with our knowledge of international trade laws and World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, ensures that your interests are safeguarded in all aspects of international shipping and commerce.

• Vessel Registration and Flag Advisory: we guide clients through the entire vessel registration process, advising on the best jurisdictions for flagging ships based on legal, regulatory, and financial considerations. Our services include compliance with international conventions and local maritime laws, ensuring that your vessels meet all operational and regulatory requirements. From choosing the most favorable flag to managing the regulatory procedures, we help optimize your fleet’s legal status for international operations.
• Charter Party Agreements: our expertise covers the drafting and negotiation of all types of charter agreements, including bareboat, time, and voyage charters. We ensure that your agreements are structured to clearly define terms such as hire rates, liabilities, off-hire events, and dispute resolution processes. By crafting well-tailored contracts, we protect your interests, whether you are leasing vessels or managing operational charters, ensuring smooth maritime operations and minimizing potential disputes.
• Shipbuilding and Financing Contracts: our legal services extend to advising on shipbuilding agreements and related financing contracts. Whether you are constructing a new vessel or negotiating financing terms, we ensure that contracts are fair, comprehensive, and designed to mitigate risks. We oversee all aspects of the transaction, from drafting agreements to managing negotiations, so that your business interests are protected throughout the shipbuilding and financing process.
• Shipping and Transport Documentation: proper documentation is key to ensuring smooth operations in global shipping. We advise clients on preparing and reviewing critical transport documents, such as bills of lading, sea waybills, and consignment notes. We ensure that these documents meet the necessary legal requirements and accurately reflect the terms of your shipment. This reduces the likelihood of disputes arising from incomplete or incorrect documentation, which can lead to costly delays or legal challenges.
• Demurrage and Shipping Delays: shipping delays often result in costly demurrage charges. Our team provides legal guidance on demurrage claims, representing clients in disputes over loading or unloading delays. We assist in determining whether claims are justified and help recover or defend against financial penalties. By effectively managing demurrage-related issues, we aim to reduce the financial burden on your operations and prevent further disruptions to your supply chain.
• International Trade and WTO Advisory: our team offers expert advisory services to help businesses navigate the intricate landscape of international trade law, including the regulations enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO). We assist clients in understanding the impact of global trade agreements, tariff classifications, and duties on their operations. Additionally, we provide counsel on Incoterm disputes, ensuring that your cross-border transactions comply with international trade standards while optimizing logistics and minimizing legal risks.
• Port Operations and Terminal Disputes: we provide legal support in all matters related to port operations and terminal usage, including drafting lease agreements, negotiating terminal service contracts, and resolving disputes over cargo handling, storage, or delivery. Our expertise helps ensure smooth port operations, minimizing interruptions to your supply chain and addressing any legal challenges that may arise in terminal operations.
• Maritime Dispute Resolution: our team provides strong representation in maritime disputes, whether related to vessel operations, regulatory violations, or contractual disagreements. We handle matters before maritime and admiralty courts, offering administrative defenses and litigation strategies that focus on protecting your business interests. Whether you are facing enforcement actions from flag state authorities or dealing with disputes over cargo damage, we have the experience to resolve these matters efficiently and effectively.
• International Trade and WTO Advisory: our team offers expert advisory services to help businesses navigate the intricate landscape of international trade law, including the regulations enforced by the World Trade Organization (WTO). We assist clients in understanding the impact of global trade agreements, tariff classifications, and duties on their operations. Additionally, we provide counsel on Incoterm disputes, ensuring that your cross-border transactions comply with international trade standards while optimizing logistics and minimizing legal risks.
• WTO Negotiations and Strategic Advocacy: our expertise extends to representing clients in high-stakes negotiations within the WTO framework. We assist in addressing trade barriers, influencing policy changes, and negotiating favorable terms in international trade agreements. Whether you're involved in bilateral or multilateral negotiations, we ensure that your business interests are well-represented and that you gain strategic advantages in the global marketplace.
• WTO Dispute Resolution: we represent clients in complex trade disputes before WTO panels, advocating against unfair trade practices, tariff impositions, or regulatory barriers that could harm your business. Our strategic approach in WTO dispute resolution ensures that your interests are fully protected, whether defending against sanctions or pursuing claims of trade violations. We also provide ongoing guidance on trade sanctions, helping businesses mitigate risks and maintain compliance with both WTO and national regulations.