Maritime Law

Maritime Law is a separate and distinct body of law that governs matters relating to ships and the seas. Its practice requires a focused capability and experience.

At Kramer International Law, we address your maritime needs with the expertise and passion you expect and require.

We advise players in the maritime industry on various legal matters, including drafting terms and conditions, enforcing contractual rights, and defending claims.

Whether the matter concerns regulatory compliance, supply chain issues, environmental pollution, collision, general average, salvage, or damage to persons or property, we respond promptly and effectively.

Clients seeking maritime law services come from across the world. They include ship owners, charterers, cargo owners, marine insurance agents and brokers, marine insurers, marine financial institutions, marine average adjusters, ship and charter brokers, protection and indemnity (P & I) clubs, oil and mineral exploration companies, stevedores, port operators, shipbuilders, ship operators and managers, ship repairers, salvors, marine surveyors, fishing companies, fish processors, and freight forwarders.

Maritime law is an evolving body of law that continues to have significant implications. At least 80% of global trade is transported across oceans.

Sources of Maritime Law

Maritime law is inherently international in nature.

In the US and Canada, the substantive maritime law rests constitutionally with the federal government. However, depending on the particular facts, there may be questions about whether federal maritime law or relevant state or provincial law applies.

The law of England has traditionally been the leading legal framework for settling maritime disputes worldwide. Its deep historical roots and reputation for fairness and consistency have established it as the benchmark in the maritime sector. From London’s busy ports to the open ocean, the influence of English law is unmatched, providing a stable and expert foundation in a constantly changing legal environment.

The historical foundations, core principles, and expertise of English courts have established it as the preferred choice for parties engaged in shipping and maritime trade.

The longstanding tradition of English courts in handling maritime cases has led to the development of a comprehensive body of case law and legal principles specific to the maritime industry.

Our Maritime Law Practice

Our comprehensive maritime practice includes the following:

· Shipping law.

· Buying, selling, chartering, and importing vessels.

· Government regulatory requirements for vessels.

· International maritime law (the “law of the sea”).

· International maritime security law.

· International marine environmental law.

· Management of international marine claims, protection, indemnity and insurance.

· Shipowners’ limitation of liability.

· Acquisitions.

· Financings.

· Flagging of vessels.

· Foreclosures.

· Seizures of ships.

· Maritime liens.

· Maritime insolvencies.

· Offshore drilling.

· Onshore and port-related operations.

· Maritime personal injury and death claims.

The goods shipped, the vessels themselves, and the harbours they utilize are nearly always subject to marine insurance policies.

Our practice comprises the following insurance-related areas:

· Broker's and agent’s liability.

· Protection and indemnity insurance.

· Cargo liability.

· Charterer's legal liability.

· Pollution liability.

· Wharfinger's liability.

· Hull and machinery insurance.

· Tower's legal liability.

We advise on bills of lading and related issues, including cargo damage claims, hazardous cargo, demurrage and dispatch, stevedoring operations, and terminal operations.

We draft, among others, the following marine-related documents:

· Charter parties.

· Contracts of affreightment.

· Transportation agreements.

· Berth applications.

· Letters of credit.

· Terminal tariffs.

· Construction and repair contracts.

Today’s ship owners, operators, charterers, and suppliers navigate a changing economic landscape characterized by consolidation, environmental concerns, competitive pressures, and new technologies. Therefore, it is crucial to have a knowledgeable legal professional who understands the unique challenges faced by maritime businesses and can appropriately advise on potential risks.

Kramer International Law’s maritime practice advises clients on legal issues and disputes in the US, Canada, the UK, and internationally, covering the transportation of cargo and passengers by sea, inland towage, oil exploration and production, and salvage and wreck removal operations.

We offer legal advice and dispute resolution services to protect our clients’ interests and ensure adherence to relevant legal and regulatory requirements.

Our maritime services encompass transactional and advisory support, including charter parties, vessel management, marine service contracts, US Jones Act compliance, tariffs and terminal agreements, port services, marine financing, fishing rights transactions, maritime employment, and regulatory compliance for maritime and environmental standards.

Our litigation services encompass vessel attachments and arrests, arbitration of maritime claims both domestically and internationally, handling responses to collisions and allisions, groundings, oil spills, cargo claims, disputes over vessel construction and repair, wreck removal, salvage operations, marine insurance disagreements, maritime lien claims, and defending against regulatory violations.

When local counsel is required in countries outside our jurisdictions of practice, Kramer International Law offers referrals and collaborates with other global service providers to ensure you have worldwide client representation.

Our knowledge of the maritime industry encompasses more than just understanding legal conventions, rules, and regulations; it also includes practical, pragmatic and operational expertise.

Risk management, risk avoidance, and brand protection are central to our services. We provide commercial and strategic solutions to address the challenges facing your maritime concerns.

Our maritime practice is dedicated to safeguarding your commercial interests by providing timely advice on maritime incidents and casualties, as well as urgent contract negotiations, document reviews, asset protection, and other services.

Helping your team become more effective is one of the best ways we can deliver better value to you. Providing access to our knowledge—boosting your team’s capabilities, strengthening your business, and reducing risks—is our goal. We regularly seek to identify training opportunities through our ongoing relationship.