Our Practice Areas

We've spent years getting to know the ins and outs of maritime law - the kind of stuff that keeps ship owners up at night. Whether you're dealing with a cargo dispute halfway across the Pacific or just need someone to make sense of the latest environmental regs, we've got your back.

What We Do Best

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Maritime Commercial Litigation

When things go sideways on the water, you need someone who won't back down

Look, maritime disputes can get messy real quick. We've handled everything from multi-million dollar collision claims to charter party disagreements that looked impossible to resolve. Our team knows how to navigate international jurisdictions and we're not afraid to take things to court if that's what it takes.

We've been in courtrooms from Vancouver to Singapore, and honestly? The preparation beforehand is where cases are won. We dig deep into vessel logs, investigate crew statements, and work with marine experts who know their stuff.

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Shipping Contract Negotiation

Your contracts should protect you, not create headaches down the line

We've seen too many shipping contracts that looked fine on paper until something went wrong. The devil's in the details - laycan dates, demurrage clauses, force majeure provisions. Miss one key term and you could be on the hook for losses that weren't even your fault.

Whether you're chartering vessels, negotiating shipbuilding contracts, or setting up long-term freight agreements, we make sure the language actually protects your interests. No legal jargon that sounds impressive but doesn't hold up when tested.

Discuss Your Contract

Cargo Claims & Insurance Disputes

When cargo gets damaged or lost, someone's gotta pay - let's make sure it's not you

Cargo claims are tricky because there's usually multiple parties involved - carriers, insurers, cargo owners, stevedores. Everyone points fingers at everyone else. We cut through that noise and figure out who's actually liable based on the bills of lading, survey reports, and applicable conventions.

Insurance companies don't always play fair when it comes to marine policies. We've dealt with adjusters who try to minimize payouts using technicalities. Our job is to hold them accountable and get you what you're owed - whether that's through negotiation or litigation.

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Vessel Registration & Compliance

Registration might sound boring, but picking the wrong flag can cost you big time

Choosing where to register your vessel isn't just about paperwork - it affects everything from taxes to crew requirements to what happens if you end up in a legal dispute. We help you pick a flag state that makes sense for your operation and then handle all the bureaucracy that comes with it.

Staying compliant with classification societies, port state control, and international conventions like SOLAS and MARPOL is a full-time job. We keep track of the changing requirements so you can focus on running your vessels. If you do get detained or flagged for non-compliance, we're on it immediately.

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International Trade Law Advisory

Cross-border shipping means dealing with multiple legal systems - we know them all

International trade law is where maritime meets customs, import/export regs, sanctions, and trade agreements. It's complicated stuff, especially when you're moving goods between countries with different legal systems. We help you structure transactions that work smoothly across borders.

Letters of credit, Incoterms, export controls - these aren't just formalities. Get them wrong and your shipment could get stuck at port or you might violate sanctions without even realizing it. We provide practical advice that keeps your goods moving and keeps you out of trouble with regulators.

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Marine Environmental Regulations

Environmental rules are getting stricter every year - we'll keep you ahead of the curve

The environmental landscape for shipping changes constantly. IMO 2020 sulfur caps, ballast water management, carbon intensity regulations - there's always something new. We help you understand what's coming and how to comply without breaking the bank.

If you're facing allegations of pollution or environmental violations, the penalties can be severe. We've defended vessel operators against everything from oil spill claims to air emission violations. Our approach combines technical knowledge of marine systems with solid legal strategy to get the best possible outcome.

Review Compliance

Questions People Actually Ask Us

We get these questions all the time - figured we'd answer them upfront

We get that maritime emergencies don't wait for business hours. If a vessel's been arrested or there's been a serious incident, we can usually get someone on the phone within an hour or two, even on weekends. For urgent matters, call our main line and you'll get through to whoever's on duty. We've handled middle-of-the-night calls from masters dealing with port state detentions and owners facing sudden arrests - it's part of what we do.

Honestly, it varies a lot depending on what you need. Simple contract reviews might run a few thousand, while complex litigation can obviously cost more. We usually work on hourly rates, but for certain matters like vessel registration or ongoing advisory work, we can set up fixed-fee or retainer arrangements. Best thing is to give us a call and we'll talk through your situation - we're upfront about costs and there's no charge for that initial conversation.

Yeah, all the time. Maritime law is international by nature - we've worked with ship owners in Greece, charterers in Singapore, and cargo interests from all over. Our Vancouver base is great for Pacific trade routes, but we've handled matters in courts and arbitration panels around the world. We also partner with local counsel when needed, so you get both our maritime expertise and someone who knows the local jurisdiction inside out.

Absolutely. A lot of shipping contracts have arbitration clauses - London, New York, Singapore, wherever. We've represented clients in all the major maritime arbitration forums. Sometimes we take over from other counsel if things aren't going well, or we come in fresh from the start. Arbitration can be faster and more flexible than court, but you still need someone who knows the rules and can present your case effectively.

Maritime law has its own set of rules that have developed over centuries - stuff like general average, maritime liens, and limitation of liability. These concepts don't exist in regular commercial law. Plus, you're often dealing with multiple jurisdictions at once - the vessel's flag state, where the incident happened, where the parties are located. A regular business lawyer might miss critical issues that could sink your case. That's why it's worth working with someone who specializes in this field.

It's a constant effort, not gonna lie. We monitor IMO updates, subscribe to industry publications, attend maritime law conferences, and maintain relationships with classification societies and flag state administrations. We're also active in maritime law associations where we exchange knowledge with colleagues from other jurisdictions. When a new regulation drops, we analyze how it'll affect our clients and reach out proactively. Staying ahead of regulatory changes is part of the value we bring - you shouldn't be surprised by new requirements.

Need Help with a Maritime Legal Matter?

Whether it's urgent or you're just planning ahead, let's talk about how we can help. No obligation, just straight answers about your situation.

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