Arnecke Sibeth Dabelstein is recognised for its strength in a range of disputes, such as litigation related to dead freight and on-call duty on board seagoing vessels. The team’s varied portfolio includes sector-specific experience in M&A deals, competition and public procurement law, as well as a track record in advising clients in the offshore wind industry. The team is co-led by Jan Dreyer, whose busy workload encompasses contract negotiations for the shipbuilding industry, ship financing, as well as maritime insurance law, and Oliver Behrendt, a port of call for the full spectrum of commercial maritime law. Dieter Schwampe remains a port of call for maritime insurance law.

Ehlermann Rindfleisch Gadow (ERG) demonstrates proficiency in litigation related to topics such as cargo, insurance, shipbuilding and unsafe port claims, while also being well versed in advice on shipbuilding and purchase contracts and legal aspects of the operation of both sea-going and inland vessels. Corporate law and transactional support, including company acquisitions in the sector, are also part of the team’s repertoire, which also includes a wealth of experience in cross-border matters. Practice head Stefan Rindfleisch is an expert in structured maritime financing, while Nina Gräfin von Borries is dual-qualified in English & Welsh and German law and covers the full spectrum of shipping arbitration and court proceedings. Corporate law expert Hauke Rittscher and Carolin Schmeding, who is adept at financings and insolvency law issues, are further important team members.

FLEET HAMBURG stands out for its wealth of experience in international matters, which frequently fall under the remit of Dharshini Bandara, who is dual-qualified in German and English & Welsh law, and excels at the intersection of maritime and commercial law. The team is equipped to operate comfortably across contract negotiation, dispute resolution, regulatory and corporate law, and is also adept at sector-specific employment issues. Bandara heads the practice alongside Arthur Steinmann, who covers ship purchase and financing agreements and frequently represents clients before courts and in arbitration proceedings. Klaus Kostka is lauded for his wealth of experience in maritime, transport, and maritime insurance law.

Maritime finance is at the heart of Watson Farley & Williams LLP practice, with the team leveraging the firm’s international network to support clients with cross-border transactions, with focus areas such as asset and container finance, as well as leasing structures, frequently receiving instructions from shipping companies, ship managers and shipyards. The team also handles corporate, tax, regulatory and employment law advice and is steered by Christian Finnern, whose focus areas include shipbuilding, the sale and purchase of second-hand tonnage, flag and registration matters, as well as employment law issues.

Led by Julia Wiechell and Martin Malinowski, boutique law firm UPWIND Legal remains a port of call for private clients in need of support with the sale and construction of high-value yachts, with the team’s expertise encompassing cross-border transactions as well as advice on flagging and warranty issues.