Transportation, Shipping & Logistics
International by nature, transportation, shipping and logistics law presents difficult, unique issues that must be met with creative and broadminded counsel. The Squire Sanders team of lawyers recognizes the need for solid representation in the diverse matters facing transportation companies, ocean carriers, charterers, non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs), ocean terminals, transit systems, port authorities, and warehouses and their insurers. Our clients count on us to seamlessly integrate the required disciplines, locations, languages and cultures.
With deep expertise in all types of marine casualties from vessel sinkings and groundings to major ocean pollution, we have long been recognized as the go-to team for seasoned and rapid advice and action. Our response team is well-known for its quick actions and ability to achieve results under the most difficult conditions. In a similar vein, our team has years of experience in charter party, contract of affreightment and bills of lading disputes, commodity trading and other maritime contracts. This expertise extends to the US Supreme Court, federal appellate and district courts, and arbitrations before a wide range of arbitration forums including the Society of Maritime Arbitrators (SMA), American Arbitration Association (AAA), International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), commodity associations such as North American Export Grain Association (NAEGA), and ad hoc arbitrations and mediations.
The scope of the practice is comprehensive. We advise on casualties and contracts involving cargoes such as crude and refined oil, petrochemicals, liquid natural gas (LNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ore, grain and break bulk cargo. We handle issues involving submarine cables and intermodal transportation and terminals. We regularly negotiate and review maritime and logistics contracts and are experienced in marine transport regulatory issues and government and maritime security. In cases involving maritime casualties or oil/chemical spills, we deal with casualty, pollution and salvage issues on behalf of ship owners, charterers, protection and indemnity insurers, and hull underwriters. We also consult and advise on financial issues, ranging from tax exempt financings for transportation facilities and vessel financing to maritime bankruptcies and workouts including lien resolution.
Through our multiple offices in key areas worldwide and our vast network of industry authorities, we are able to represent clients anywhere in the world in complex transportation, shipping and logistics matters on a single representation basis.
Practice Expertise