Lawyer Specialized in Inland Waterway Transport
The legal framework governing inland waterway transport in France and across Europe is complex and highly specific, combining public law constraints with commercial maritime regulations. At Marty Legal, we provide comprehensive legal support to shipowners, operators, and inland waterway transport companies at every stage of their operations. From vessel registration to cargo liability disputes, we intervene swiftly and strategically to secure your rights and structure your business effectively. Whether you’re transporting goods on the Rhône, Seine, or other navigable networks, our firm offers a unique combination of technical insight and legal expertise in fluvial transport law. We act before administrative authorities, civil courts, and port operators to ensure that our clients—whether independent barge operators or corporate logistics carriers—are protected, compliant, and competitively positioned.
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Legal Assistance with Ship Arrest and Enforcement Procedures
In the world of inland shipping, unpaid freight, fuel, port fees, or maintenance costs can place significant strain on small or medium-sized operators. In such cases, ship arrest is often the most effective means of debt recovery. At Marty Legal, we assist creditors in initiating ship arrest procedures for vessels navigating inland waterways—both as a precautionary measure and in executory enforcement following a judgment or notarial title.
We recently intervened on behalf of a service provider in Strasbourg whose invoices for a series of repairs remained unpaid by the barge owner. Acting on a court-certified debt, we obtained an arrest order and coordinated with port authorities to immobilize the vessel. The case was resolved within a week through a negotiated settlement. We also represent shipowners facing arrest, contesting unjustified measures or proposing alternative security arrangements. Whether you are enforcing or resisting an arrest, our procedural expertise ensures that your interests are protected with efficiency and legal rigor.
Registration and Legal Formalities for Vessels Over 20 Tons
Operating a commercial inland vessel of over 20 tons requires compliance with strict registration and documentary formalities. Marty Legal assists boat operators with every aspect of vessel registration, change of ownership, title updates, and deregistration. We also handle complex issues such as river mortgage registration, flagging formalities, and compliance with European Union inland navigation certificates.
For example, we recently advised a logistics company expanding its fleet with two newly acquired push boats. We ensured their registration in the Fichier des Transports Fluviaux, coordinated with the French Inland Navigation Authority (Voies Navigables de France – VNF), and registered associated mortgages in the inland ship register. This seamless process allowed the client to begin commercial operations immediately, with all titles in order. Our detailed knowledge of inland vessel law ensures that administrative steps are completed efficiently, preventing operational delays and future legal challenges.
Disputes with Administrators of the Fluvial Public Domain
Vessels operating on inland waterways often interact with infrastructure owned or managed by the State or local authorities—leading to disputes regarding accidents, mooring rights, or occupation fees. Marty Legal provides tailored representation to operators and shipowners in conflicts with public domain administrators, including Voies Navigables de France, river basin authorities, and port operators.
We recently acted for a barge owner whose vessel struck a poorly signalled lock structure during high water levels on the Rhône. The administration refused liability, alleging navigational negligence. By gathering hydrometric data, AIS records, and expert reports, we demonstrated flawed signage and obtained partial compensation for the repair costs. We also act in cases of unauthorised mooring, eviction procedures, or contested usage charges. These matters often involve overlapping administrative and civil law issues—requiring both strategic legal insight and technical understanding. Marty Legal is uniquely positioned to defend your rights on both fronts.
Legal Support for Inland Waterway Transport Companies
Developing a transport company operating on inland waterways requires careful legal structuring—from registration and licensing to contract drafting and risk allocation. Marty Legal provides full legal support for entrepreneurs and corporate entities in the freight transport by inland navigation sector, including formalities with the Chambre Nationale de la Batellerie Artisanale (CNBA) and the Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés (RCS).
We assist in drafting contracts of carriage, time charters, voyage charters, and tonnage agreements, ensuring that terms on liability, freight, delays, and termination are clearly defined and enforceable. For instance, we recently structured charter agreements for a company operating along the Seine, optimizing liability clauses to mitigate weather-related delays. We also advise on contractual relationships with subcontractors, terminals, and end clients. Whether you’re launching a new inland logistics platform or scaling an existing operation, Marty Legal ensures that your legal foundations are strong, compliant, and adapted to the realities of the sector.
Inland Waterway Transport Disputes and Cargo Liability
Inland waterway transport is not immune to disputes—whether involving cargo damage, loss, delay, or freight payment defaults. Marty Legal represents carriers, shippers, and consignees in litigation and pre-litigation proceedings related to the inland transport of goods. Our services include damage assessments, legal action for compensation, defense in liability claims, and debt recovery.
We recently defended a barge operator whose vessel suffered a mechanical failure en route, resulting in a delayed grain shipment to a Rhine port. The consignee refused to pay, alleging breach of contract. We intervened to demonstrate force majeure, backed by logbook entries and expert reports, and successfully defended the client against the claim while securing partial payment. Our experience in cargo-related disputes and in procedural rules applicable before commercial and administrative courts makes us a trusted ally for resolving inland transport conflicts swiftly and effectively.
Navigate Inland Waterway Transport with Confidence and Legal Precision Through Marty Legal
Marty Legal provides industry-specific legal expertise for professionals operating within the inland waterway transport sector—ensuring you remain compliant, protected, and fully equipped to assert your rights along France’s fluvial networks and beyond.
Inland navigation requires both legal clarity and operational reactivity. We support professionals navigating the fluvial domain with precision, speed, and a deep understanding of the sector.
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Talk to a lawyer specialized in admiralty law today