Maritime Law at Nitre Law

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Marine Law

Our firm delivers specialist maritime law expertise to shipowners, operators, charterers, P&I clubs, and marine insurers navigating Australia’s vital blue economy. From cargo claims to IMO compliance, we protect your interests under Australian admiralty jurisdiction, and international conventions, ensuring seamless operations across domestic waters and global trade routes.

1. Cargo Claims and Disputes We resolve cargo damage, loss, or delay disputes, pursuing recovery under Hague-Visby Rules or Australian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. From bill of lading conflicts to freight forwarder agreements, we secure fair outcomes for shippers and carriers.
2. Charter Party Agreements We draft and negotiate time, voyage, and bareboat charters, addressing payment, off-hire, and demurrage risks. Our team resolves breaches efficiently, protecting Australian operators in competitive global markets.
3. Marine Insurance We work with your broker to structure hull, machinery, cargo, and P&I policies, managing claims for collisions, groundings, or third-party liabilities. Our advice aligns coverage with Australian Marine Insurance Act requirements.
4. Ship Finance and Mortgages We facilitate vessel financing, register ship mortgages under the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA), and negotiate sale and purchase agreements with full due diligence on title, liens, and classification.
5. Collision and Salvage We determine liability in collisions under COLREGs, negotiate salvage awards under the 1989 Salvage Convention, and manage wreck removal obligations to minimize environmental and financial exposure.
6. Environmental Compliance We ensure adherence to MARPOL, Australian ballast water laws (Biosecurity Act), and AMSA pollution prevention rules. Our sustainability advice supports carbon reduction and compliance with IMO 2030/2050 targets.
7. Personal Injury and Crew Claims We represent seafarers under the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act, handle Jones Act equivalents for foreign crew, and manage passenger claims on cruise or ferry services in Australian waters.
8. Arbitration and Litigation We conduct LMAA and ACMA arbitrations, pursue admiralty in rem actions in the Federal Court, and secure vessel arrests to enforce maritime liens or charter disputes.
9. Regulatory Compliance and International Trade We guide flag state (AMSA) and port state control compliance, manage customs and biosecurity clearances, and ensure sanctions adherence for vessels calling at Australian ports.
10. Strategic Advisory Services We provide crisis response for spills or detentions, and trade strategy aligned with Australia’s Maritime Trade Strategy and Indo-Pacific shipping corridors.