Lawyer specialized in admiralty law (also known as maritime law)
At the intersection of international trade law, admiralty law, and maritime industry regulation, our law firm offers strategic legal counsel and litigation services grounded in over two decades of experience in France, England, and beyond. Headquartered in Marseille, with regular interventions in London and the wider European and Middle Eastern shipping corridors, our firm advises shipowners, logistics operators, marine insurers, and governments on high-stakes shipping disputes and complex nautical issues.
From ship arrests and pollution claims to vessel sales disputes and occupancy rights, our team of admiralty lawyers and maritime law specialists offers precise, action-oriented solutions based on applicable international conventions, private law, English law, and French law. We are regularly instructed in matters involving the IMO (International Maritime Organisation), flag states, P&I Clubs, and admiralty courts, ensuring our clients benefit from deep legal insight and a robust understanding of the commercial realities at sea.
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Ship Arrest & Judicial Sale
Strategic Action to Secure Maritime Debt
Ship arrest remains a cornerstone of admiralty law, offering creditors a rapid and effective remedy for securing claims in the maritime industry. Our admiralty lawyers, based in Marseille, regularly advise clients across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond on vessel immobilization strategies under the Brussels Convention and national shipping codes. Whether initiated on a precautionary or executory basis, arresting a ship ensures enforcement leverage over defaulting shipowners.
Judicial Ship Sale and Recovery of Maritime Liens
We handle every stage of judicial sale, coordinating with admiralty courts to enforce maritime liens, mortgages, or unpaid charterparty claims. Our law firm recently secured the auction of a detained vessel in France, acting for a cargo owner seeking compensation. By combining procedural precision with international enforcement networks, we provide our clients with a reliable path to recovery. Whether your claim is grounded in French law, English law, or an international convention, we act swiftly to protect your maritime rights.
Maritime Insurance
Legal Guidance in Marine Insurance Disputes
Marine insurance is an essential safeguard for shipowners, operators, and cargo interests exposed to risk. We regularly advise clients involved in disputes over liability coverage, hull insurance, P&I Club claims, and cargo loss. Our firm acts before admiralty courts, resolving conflicts over policy exclusions, delays in indemnity, and conflicting jurisdictions under English law or French maritime law.
Structuring and Enforcing Transport and Hull Policies
We help you draft, negotiate, and enforce marine insurance contracts tailored to the needs of the shipping industry. Recently, we advised a logistics group in London on policy wording under Lloyd’s marine terms, ensuring consistency with French statutory obligations. We also manage technical investigations involving salvage contracts, navigational errors, and compliance with international maritime organisation guidelines.
Maritime Accidents
Immediate Legal Intervention in Maritime Casualties
From ship collisions and groundings to salvage incidents and passenger injuries, maritime accidents require urgent, informed legal action. Our maritime lawyers are available 24/7 to coordinate responses with harbor masters, flag states, and insurers. We assist in pollution mitigation, crew statements, and incident documentation under international conventions and local port customs.
Litigation and Claims Management Before Maritime Courts
We recently represented a shipping company after a grounding in Corsica, securing limitation of liability under French law. Our firm regularly appears before the BEAmer, admiralty courts, and civil tribunals in France and England, defending clients from regulatory fines and private lawsuits. With extensive knowledge of COLREGs, IMO protocols, and commercial contracts, we protect your operations, mitigate liability, and defend your rights with strategic clarity.
Vessel Sales Disputes
Legal Support for Sale and Purchase Conflicts
Vessel sale transactions often give rise to disputes, especially when latent defects, documentation inconsistencies, or delivery issues are discovered post-sale. We assist buyers, sellers, and financiers in disputes under English MoAs, Norwegian Saleforms, or French civil law contracts. Whether the deal involves commercial ships or luxury yachts, our lawyers protect your position.
Technical and Legal Resolution of Transactional Issues
In a recent maritime law case, we represented a buyer facing engine failure on a newly acquired vessel in France, invoking the legal warranty of hidden defects. Our strategic use of technical expertise and cross-border litigation tools led to a favorable pre-trial settlement. We regularly advise on jurisdiction clauses, arbitration, and contract rescission across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Occupancy Rights & Harbor Concession Disputes
Port Access, Concession Termination & Regulatory Risk
Harbor occupancy and concession contracts are governed by a complex interplay of maritime law, public law, and business regulations. We represent marina operators, shipyards, and port users in disputes over lease termination, forfeiture of use, and non-renewals across the French Riviera, Europe, and international waters.
Concession Structuring and Litigation Strategy
In a recent case in Marseille, we defended a shipyard whose public occupancy title was prematurely revoked. Using principles of contractual protection under French law, and public-private concession frameworks, we negotiated reinstatement and damages. Our admiralty lawyers regularly appear before commercial courts and administrative tribunals to resolve disputes over harbor access and mooring rights.
Pollution & Maritime Court Proceedings
Legal Defense Against Marine Pollution Allegations
Allegations of oil discharge or waste dumping can lead to immediate vessel detention and criminal charges. We represent shipowners, captains, and operators before admiralty courts, customs authorities, and environmental regulators throughout France, England, and the Mediterranean region.
Representation in Environmental and Criminal Proceedings
In one recent case, our client was detained in Marseille after satellite imagery triggered a pollution alert. We challenged the validity of the data and negotiated a security release under judicial control. We also appear before the High Court and maritime tribunals, defending against claims arising from breaches of international environmental law and IMO regulations.
Trusted Legal Partner in Admiralty & Maritime Law Worldwide
By entrusting Marty Legal with Admiralty Law & Maritime Law matters, you engage a firm that combines technical mastery, international reach, and litigation excellence—empowering shipowners, operators, insurers, and port stakeholders to navigate complex maritime challenges with legal confidence and strategic foresight. Whether in the courtroom, at sea, or in boardroom negotiations, we protect your interests where law meets the ocean.
Maritime law isn't just about rules—it's about protecting your voyage, your cargo, and your business wherever your vessel touches water.
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Talk to a lawyer specialized in admiralty law today