Shipping & Maritime Law
Shipping & Maritime
At our Law Firm, we specialize in the complex and nuanced field of maritime law, offering expert legal representation to clients involved in maritime disputes and transactions. Our team of seasoned attorneys is well-versed in the intricacies of admiralty law, including issues related to shipping, navigation, cargo disputes, and maritime injuries. We are committed to delivering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the maritime industry, ensuring that our clients’ rights and interests are protected both in and out of court.
Cyprus operates one of the largest shipping registries in the world, with a fleet that includes tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, and passenger vessels. The legal framework is governed by the Merchant Shipping Laws, which implement international conventions including SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW, and by the Cyprus Shipping Registry’s regulations.
Vessel registration is the foundation of shipping work. Cyprus offers both a national registry and an international (second) registry, the latter with specific advantages for vessels trading internationally. The firm advises on the choice of registry, the documentation required for registration, and the ongoing compliance obligations, including surveys, certification, and crew requirements.
Mortgage registration is a related area. Vessel mortgages are registered with the Shipping Registry and provide security for lenders. The priority of mortgages, the rights of mortgagees on default, and the enforcement procedures are all governed by Cypriot law. The firm acts for lenders and owners in the creation, registration, and enforcement of vessel mortgages.
Crew matters are regulated by the Maritime Labour Convention and by Cypriot implementing legislation. Employment contracts must meet minimum standards, and disputes over wages, repatriation, or conditions can lead to vessel arrest. The firm advises shipowners on compliance and represents crew members in claims.
Shipping disputes arise in various forms. Collision claims involve complex questions of liability and navigation. Salvage claims require assessment of the services rendered and the value saved. Cargo claims turn on the terms of the bill of lading, the condition of the goods, and the exceptions in the Hague-Visby Rules. Charter party disputes involve the interpretation of hire clauses, off-hire provisions, and withdrawal rights.
Vessel arrest is a powerful remedy. A claimant with a maritime claim for necessaries, for damage, for unpaid bunkers can apply to arrest the vessel, obtaining security for the claim and pressure on the owner to settle. The arrest procedure is governed by the Admiralty Jurisdiction Order, and the firm has extensive experience in obtaining and opposing arrest orders.