Lawyer Specialized in Port & Maritime Transport Law
Port operations, maritime transport, and customs regulations are governed by a complex interplay of national, European, and international rules. At Marty Legal, we offer comprehensive legal counsel in port law, maritime carriage, and logistics—representing all parties involved in the transport chain: shippers, carriers, consignees, port operators, shipping agents, and freight forwarders. With over two decades of experience and a strategic location in Marseille, close to the Chamber for Transport Affairs of the Commercial Court, we are well-positioned to act swiftly and effectively in all port-related disputes and transport litigation.
Whether you operate along the French Riviera, in Monaco, Cannes, or abroad, we provide practical, strategic, and tailored legal support in both advisory and contentious matters. Our knowledge of customs procedures, yachting law, maritime insurance, and shipping regulations enables us to offer cross-disciplinary solutions. Marty Legal combines legal rigour with operational understanding—ensuring your business flows as securely and efficiently as the vessels you work with.
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Damage to Goods and Cargo – General Average
Damage to goods during maritime transport often results in high-stakes disputes involving multiple parties across various jurisdictions. At Marty Legal, we represent shippers, consignees, cargo insurers, carriers, and freight forwarders in disputes arising from damage, loss, or contamination of cargo—whether under CMI rules, Hague-Visby Rules, or applicable incoterms. Our work includes initiating or contesting claims before French commercial courts, organizing judicial or amicable expert assessments, and advising on general average contributions.
For example, we recently assisted a consignee whose refrigerated cargo suffered damage due to onboard machinery failure. By coordinating with court-appointed experts, analysing the bill of lading terms, and securing technical data from the shipping company, we obtained compensation from the carrier’s insurer under the principle of presumed liability. We also advised on general average adjustments and security arrangements. Our procedural diligence and deep knowledge of transport law ensure your commercial interests are rigorously defended throughout the claim process.
Laytime and Demurrage Disputes
Disputes concerning laytime and demurrage are common in charterparty and port operations, often triggered by delays in loading or unloading. Marty Legal intervenes in these matters, representing charterers, shipowners, and cargo interests in interpreting charterparty clauses, calculating laytime allowances, and determining demurrage entitlements. We work with port agents, stevedores, and terminal operators to establish factual timelines and provide legally sound advice grounded in commercial shipping practice.
In a recent arbitration, we defended a shipper who was unjustly charged excessive demurrage following a port labour dispute that delayed unloading. By invoking force majeure provisions and demonstrating the carrier’s failure to mitigate delays, we successfully reduced the demurrage claim by over 60%. We also assisted in renegotiating future contractual clauses to prevent recurrence. Our strength lies in combining legal argument with technical port operations knowledge, ensuring your contractual obligations and rights are clearly asserted and defended.
Shipping Agency and Port Agent Representation
Shipping agents play a pivotal role in port logistics, acting as intermediaries between shipowners, port authorities, and cargo stakeholders. At Marty Legal, we advise and defend shipping agencies in legal disputes arising from vessel port calls, such as port dues, ship arrests, cargo disputes, and local administrative sanctions. Our proximity to the Port of Marseille and familiarity with the practices of harbour masters and port operators enable us to respond swiftly and effectively.
We recently advised a shipping agent whose client vessel was subjected to administrative arrest due to unpaid port charges from a previous operator. We intervened to clarify the ship’s legal status, negotiate with the port authority, and avoid escalation into formal seizure. By aligning port documentation with maritime law provisions, we secured a release and preserved the agency’s commercial standing. Marty Legal offers more than legal advice—we offer strategic defence rooted in operational reality.
Freight Forwarding and Logistics Liability
Freight forwarders operate in a highly regulated and often litigious environment, juggling responsibilities as agents and principals. Marty Legal assists logistics operators in disputes arising from standard freight forwarding contracts, transport damage, documentary errors, or non-performance. We also help enforce or defend claims based on the freight forwarder’s privilege under French law, particularly in matters involving unpaid freight or third-party claims.
In a recent case, we defended a forwarding agent accused of liability for late delivery of industrial machinery due to a subcontracted haulier’s fault. By distinguishing between the agent’s responsibility and the carrier’s, and demonstrating proper due diligence in subcontractor selection, we secured the dismissal of the claim. We also advised on strengthening contractual clauses to reinforce limitation of liability. Marty Legal’s understanding of logistics flows, contractual layers, and liability regimes makes us a trusted partner for freight forwarders facing contentious or preventive legal challenges.
Legal Counsel to Port Operators and Stevedoring Companies
Port operators, terminal handlers, and stevedoring companies face unique legal challenges tied to safety regulations, performance obligations, subcontractor liability, and port authority relations. At Marty Legal, we provide strategic counsel to these actors in developing their business structures and defending their interests in disputes involving service provision, equipment damage, personal injury, or customs controls.
We recently assisted in the incorporation of a new stevedoring company operating within a French concession port, guiding them through licensing procedures, drafting their terms of service, and resolving pre-existing disputes with port users. When a cargo-handling accident led to an investigation by the labour inspectorate, we represented the operator, coordinated expert reports, and negotiated a settlement that avoided reputational harm. Our multidisciplinary approach—merging regulatory advisory, contract drafting, and litigation defence—ensures that your port operation remains compliant, resilient, and legally protected.
Maritime and Transport Law Backed by Real-World Insight and Legal Precision
Marty Legal combines deep-rooted legal expertise in transport, port, and maritime affairs with on-the-ground insight into the realities of logistics and port operations. Whether you’re loading containers in Marseille, coordinating yacht movements in Monaco, or resolving damage claims across borders, our team ensures your interests are protected with precision and authority.
Port and transport disputes require both legal precision and industry insight. We defend your interests where contracts, cargo, and maritime operations intersect.
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