Maritime

Navigating the maritime and logistics sector

CMS is one of the leading law firms in Europe for the maritime and logistics sector. We have the specific legal expertise and technical understanding to support our clients both in their home countries and abroad. They benefit from our deep understanding of their global operations and the economic context of their business.

Our clients include shipping companies, shipyards, terminal operators, brokers, NVOCCs, transport and logistics operators, freight forwarders, trading companies, banks, P&I clubs, other insurers and all other players in the shipping and logistics market.We receive instructions from our clients covering virtually all areas of their business. We advise them on their day-to-day operations, in relation to drafting, revising and negotiating contracts, in the event of collisions and accidents/casualties, as well as with regard to a wide range of projects and transactions.

In conjunction with our Banking & Finance team, we regularly advise major German banks, other financing institutions and shipping companies regarding their ship financing and restructuring operations.

We are a leading practice for advice on offshore projects

We are particularly familiar with the offshore industry. We understand the specific commercial and technical challenges and risks of this sector and how to adequately address these risks in agreements and disputes. Working with our Energy team, we are one of the leading firms for legal advice in relation to offshore wind farms.

Disputes – help you can rely on

We successfully represent our clients in and out of court as well as in domestic and international arbitral proceedings. We have in-depth knowledge of the maritime arbitration institutions, such as the London Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) and the German Maritime Arbitration Association (GMAA). We also regularly sit as arbitrators in arbitration proceedings involving maritime matters, transport and logistics, and commercial disputes.