We have significant experience representing shippers, intermediaries, and carriers in a variety of maritime transactions and matters. Our lawyers are skilled in drafting and reviewing international service contracts, charter agreements, ocean bills of lading and towage contracts. Moreover, our lawyers were instrumental in the passage of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 (OSRA) and consequently are nationally renowned for their work with respect to U.S. regulation of the ocean liner industry.
Our client services include the following:
- Draft and review maritime transportation contracts, charter parties, and ocean bills of lading.
- Advise clients on matters relative to maritime statutes and regulations, including OSRA, cargo liability governed by the U.S. Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) and the coastwise trades regulated under the Jones Act.
- Handle complex litigation before state and federal courts and arbitration panels concerning contract performance by carriers, and cargo loss and damage claims.
- Advise and represent clients in litigation and arbitration of inland barge transportation, charter party, and other admiralty and maritime disputes.
- Counsel clients on the application of the antitrust laws to transportation arrangements and disputes.
- Prepare and file ocean transportation intermediary licensing applications.
