Transport: Shipping in Spain

Albors Galiano Portales

Albors Galiano Portales is a leading firm in the Spanish shipping law space, handling a broad spectrum of mandates, namely claims related to personal injury, collisions, salvage, wreck removal and material damage, the construction, financing and repair of vessels, and relevant contracts and insurance work. The practice is co-led by Eduardo Albors, who is renowned for his experience in maritime law, insurance and commercial arbitration; and Javier Portales, who specialises in maritime, aviation and insurance law. Also noted is Jaime Albors, who draws on experience representing Spanish shipping clients in international arbitration.

Praxisleiter:

Eduardo Albors; Javier Portales


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Jaime Albors


Avante Legal

Boutique firm Avante Legal is a strong choice for a range of non-contentious and contentious shipping mandates, namely transactional work, and damages, collision and environmental contamination-related claims. Practice head Julio López Quiroga specialises in providing advice to domestic and international companies in the maritime, aviation and insurance sectors on contractual matters and representing them in litigation and arbitration. Also noted are Antonio Quirós, who excels in casualty work and marine insurance; Jacobo Tojeiro, who focuses on shipping law, other transport and insurance; and Hannah de Bustos, regarded for her experience in shipping disputes.

Praxisleiter:

Julio López Quiroga


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Antonio Quirós; Jacobo Tojeiro; Hannah de Bustos


Referenzen

‘I would highlight the lawyers‘ competence, their ability to provide clear explanations, and their knowledge of the subject matter. Equally noteworthy is their human touch, empathy, and genuine concern for the client, along with their patience and approachability. It is also worth highlighting their diligence in keeping the client informed at all times and explaining legal terms in a clear and understandable way, thus eliminating any doubts.’

‘I would highlight the extensive legal knowledge of Antonio Quirós and Julio López Quiroga in the area of maritime and transport law, and the availability and follow-up on cases by Jacobo Tojeiro and Hanna de Bustos.‘

‘This is a highly motivated team with a deep commitment to customer service. They embrace the client’s interests and defend them with the utmost dedication. Furthermore, it is a cohesive team in which matters are managed by involving all relevant partners and associates, even those without prior contact with the client. The quality of service is paramount at all times. The team is also highly specialised in its sector (maritime) and therefore anticipates the client’s needs perfectly, understanding, without any prior explanation, the importance and consequences of each matter entrusted to them.‘

Kernmandanten

RSA Luxembourg, S.A.


Cabomar


TT Club


Eimskip


Pesca Bijagos, S.R.L.


Northcom Diving


Grandi Navi Veloci SPA


DHL Exel Supply Chain Spain, S.L.


Industrias Ferri


ACSM


SATO


Garrigues

The transport, logistics and shipping practice group at Garrigues frequently advises P&I clubs, underwriters, shipping companies and shipyards on a wide range of matters, from collision, salvage and cargo claims to environmental liability issues and ship arrests. The team also has strong capabilities in vessel financing, registration and sales, along with insurance and reinsurance work. The practice is headed by Jesús Barbadillo, who specialises in regulatory shipping law matters, litigation and arbitration. Also noted are litigator María Cózar and Manuel Betancor, who is based in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and specialises in transport, logistics and shipping matters.

Praxisleiter:

Jesús Barbadillo


Weitere Kernanwälte:

María Cózar; Manuel Betancor; Zulay Rodríguez


Referenzen

‘Garrigues is a law firm defined by its specialisation and the breadth of that specialisation. Within the same model, you can find top-level specialists in maritime law, tax law, commercial law, or any other branch of law. This service model allows you to address issues from different areas of law in a single meeting and obtain advice and solutions quickly and effectively.’

‘They stand out for their combination of technical expertise, tactical agility, and business acumen. What truly sets them apart is their ability to handle complex litigation matters with a comprehensive understanding of the maritime and logistics sector, while remaining mindful of the client’s operational and commercial context. The team has a proven track record in areas such as charter parties, bill of lading issues, cargo damage claims, warranty enforcement, and more.‘

‚Their willingness to work closely and in coordination with internal legal, operations, and insurance departments is also noteworthy. In our experience, they compare very favorably with teams from other firms, especially those that maintain a more rigid or detached approach, combining rigour with flexibility and a close relationship with the client.’

Kernmandanten

Gestora de Carteras de Inversiones AAA, S.L.


Vatton Design


Hermes Logística, S.A.


AML (Africa Morocco Link)


Pevasa (Pesquería Vasco-Montañesa, S.A.)


Samca Group


Naviera Armas y Compañía Trasmediterránea


Naviera de Galicia, S.A.


IMG Group: Sercomisa, Trasmapi and Formentera Cargo


ASECOB


Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP’s shipping team advises a broad range of clients, including shipowners, insurers, charterers, suppliers and P&I clubs, on ship financing, construction and repair matters. The team is also experienced in handling claims involving fire, damage, pollution and maritime casualties. The practice is jointly led by Juan Alegre, who specialises in shipping law and international trade; Bernardo Ruiz Lima, who focuses on shipping insurance claims, logistics and transport issues, P&I and salvage proceedings; Gonzalo Alvar, a name to note for shipbuilding contracts; and Victor Mata, who is skilled in personal injury cases, contractual disputes and salvage proceedings.

Praxisleiter:

Juan Alegre; Bernardo Ruiz Lima; Gonzalo Alvar; Victor Mata


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Javier Herreros


Referenzen

‘Excellent, personalised customer service, characterised by high emotional intelligence and flexibility. Undeniable sector-specific knowledge in the area of our collaboration.’

‘Gonzalo Alvar and Javier Herreros are excellent at performing their work and dealing with the client.’

‘A highly competent team capable of providing advice on any aspect related to transport, insurance, and particularly maritime transport. Extensive experience and consistently excellent, friendly service.’

Kernmandanten

Boluda


Grupo Ortiz


SASEMAR


NorthStandard P&I Club


Maersk


Liberty Lines


Astilleros de Murueta


MSC Shipping


Pantaenius


Royal Sun Alliance (RSA)


Navigators and General – Zurich Group


Distribuidora Maritima Petrogas SLU


Uría Menéndez

Uría Menéndez’s shipping team provides comprehensive support to shipping companies, port operators, shipyards, banks, insurers and P&I clubs on regulatory, licensing, transactional and contentious matters, including M&A transactions, financings, charter agreements and cargo disputes. Carlos López-Quiroga oversees the practice group and focuses on M&A and corporate restructuring in the transport sector. Other key contacts include José Sánchez-Fayos and Luz Martínez de Azcoitia, both of whom handle commercial and financing matters.

Praxisleiter:

Carlos López-Quiroga


Weitere Kernanwälte:

José Sánchez-Fayos; Luz Martínez de Azcoitia; Diego Pérez


Referenzen

‘Specific knowledge of maritime port sector regulations, particularly those related to stevedoring. In terms of collaboration, the team is always available to meet with and listen to industry experts.’

‘I would like to highlight Carlos López-Quiroga and Diego Pérez for their availability, work capacity and constant search for solutions to the problems raised.’

‘Extensive knowledge of the naval sector, including shipyard financing and the implications of tax structures.’

Kernmandanten

Ondimar – Transportes Maritimos LDA


Naviera Altube


Asociación Nacional de Empresas Estibadoras Y Consignatarias de Buques (ANESCO)


Bibby Marine Services Limited


Aquaship


Banco de Sabadell


Campa Iberia


Club de Mar Mallorca


CSP Iberian Valencia Terminal


Grandi Navi Veloci


ING Bank


MSC Cruises


Nordea Danmark, Filial af Nordea Bank ABP, Finland


Northern Offshore Services


Regasificadora del Noroeste (REGANOSA)


Terminales Marítimas del Sureste


MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised Ondimar Transportes Maritimos on the shipbuilding contracts for the construction of two state-of-the-art LNG supply vessels at South Korea’s HD Hyundai Mipo shipyard.
  • Advised Banco de Sabadell on the financing granted to Total Terminal International Algeciras (TTI Algeciras) to refinance its existing facilities to support the expansion of its terminal at the Port of Algeciras.
  • Advised Bibby Marine on a cross-border shipbuilding and financing transaction pertaining to a pioneering zero-emission electric Commissioning Service Operation Vessel (CSOV).

MA Abogados

MA Abogados is well positioned to assist international shipping companies, cargo insurance companies, port terminals, freight forwarders, offshore companies, suppliers and shipyards with arbitration relating to the salvage and the trade of goods, cargo and insurance claims, offshore contracts, and shipbuilding mandates. Leadership is shared between founding partners Carlos Salinas Adelantado, noted for his expertise in commercial law, shipping and international trade, and Sara Recatalá Chordá, whose areas of expertise include insolvency, shipping and competition law.

Praxisleiter:

Carlos Salinas Adelantado; Sara Recatalá Chordá


Referenzen

‘The firm is well balanced across many different sectors and can give a multitude of advice.’

‘Very quick in answering and very professional.’

‘Full availability. Personalised attention. Quick response. Strong subject matter knowledge. Knowledge of the sector and cross-cutting issues. Experience in similar operations.’

Mestre Abogados

Boutique firm Mestre Abogados is well placed to handle an array of shipping matters, namely ship repairers’ liability, cargo projects, shipbuilding mandates, claims and insurance work, as well as advising shipyards and shipping companies on contracts and general conditions. The practice is under the joint leadership of firm founder and managing partner Anna Mestre, an expert in commercial and contentious shipping matters; litigator Alejandra Torres; Pol Mediña, who is skilled in yachting contracts and claims; and Marina Bassols, a name to note for shipping and road transport law. All named lawyers are based in Barcelona.

Praxisleiter:

Anna Mestre; Alejandra Torres; Pol Mediña; Marina Bassols


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Lluís Gómez


Referenzen

‘I have been collaborating with Mestre Abogados for many years on transport law matters, especially maritime law. I would particularly highlight their expertise in the field. They are a firm specialising in these areas. Their assistance is highly professional. I would also emphasise their language skills and their promptness in providing information.’

‘I have worked with Anna Mestre and Pol Mediña in some cases. They are all very kind and responsive. The quality of their work is very good.’

‘It is always a great pleasure to work with the team. They are friendly and have in-depth knowledge of the transportation and logistics market.’

Kernmandanten

Noatum Maritime


Decal – Petrol-Oil Terminal


Generali Corporate


MS Amlin Underwriting Limited


Azteq BV


Interlloyd Averij B.V.


Rompsen Investment Corp


Gard AS / Tankers CV


RSA


Swedish Club


Costamare Shipowners


Sky Ocean Yacht Refit & Repair


YST Yachting Service Team


Filhet-Allard Maritime


Chubb


TIBA for Marble and Granite


Vimeksim Ltd


Samsung Electronics Europe Logistics BV


PSE Cement


Roose + Partners


Stellantis N.V.


Seko UK – Bansard Group


RMI Chemical


Hua Hu Shipping Liberia


Rongsheng Ronyuan Fishers Co Ltd China


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advised The Swedish Club and Owners of MV CAPE SOUNIO on the collision and sinking of the tug during towage operations at the Port of Barcelona.
  • Advising clients on the GA General Average following a main engine failure of the MV ONEGO DUERO during a voyage from Bilbao to Houston.

SAN SIMON & DUCH

SAN SIMON & DUCH’s shipping team handles a wide range of disputes and transactional matters for shipyards, shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, insurers, port authorities and financial institutions. The practice is jointly led by a group of experienced lawyers across multiple offices, all of whom are highly specialised in maritime law: Luis de San Simón, Mercedes Duch and Diego de San Simón in Madrid; Carlos Cerdá in Valencia; Ignacio Rodríguez in Algeciras; and Pedro Abad in Seville.

Praxisleiter:

Luis de San Simón; Mercedes Duch; Diego de San Simón; Carlos Cerdá; Ignacio Rodríguez; Pedro Abad


Referenzen

‘Very quick response times; entire conduct is very professional and transparent; very well connected in the entire industry.’

‘Diego de San Simón provides a very thorough legal analysis; the proposed solutions are always remarkably pragmatic and comprehensible.’

‘Truly in-depth knowledge of shipping and its industry, present at all relevant locations, excellent network.’

Kernmandanten

Zodiac Maritime Limited


KPT Shipmanagement


UNIMARINE SPAIN CHEMICAL PRODUCTIONS, S.L.


Columbia Shipmanagement


Carnival UK


P&O Cruises


Ferrovial


RSA Luxembourg S.A., Spanish Branch


Hellenic Seaways Single Member Maritime, S.A


TABLADA P&I SERVICES


Ducat Maritime


Navios Shipmanagement Inc


Holman, Fenwick Willan


Generali


Cedar Europe Ltd


Vilma Oil


Vitol


The London P & I Club


The Standard P & I Club


Seaco Global


Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A.


Highlight-Mandate


  • Defending Carnival UK in multimillion claims arising from a collision in the port of Palma de Mallorca between a cruise vessel, a tanker vessel and the dock.
  • Representing Cedar Europe Ltd in a court claim and counter-claim arising from a contractual dispute between an oil producer and an oil trader, for a total value of €8m.
  • Enforcing an arbitration award issued in Singapore before several Spanish courts and previous arrest of vessel owned by the debtor, for a total value of €13m.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP’s team offers specialist expertise in tax structuring, regulatory matters pertaining to the aquaculture sector, and shipping M&A mandates. The practice is jointly led by Alfredo Cabellos, who assists domestic and international shipowners and other stakeholders with port terminal financing, ship arrest procedures, regulatory compliance and dispute resolution; and Laura Cadenas, who specialises in ship and aircraft financings. Jose María Pery and Daniel Refoyo are additional key contacts for asset finance.

Praxisleiter:

Alfredo Cabellos; Laura Cadenas


Weitere Kernanwälte:

José María Pery; Daniel Refoyo


Referenzen

‘What makes WFW’s practice unique is its ability to understand the project as a whole, not just focusing on the contracts within its scope. The team gets involved in issues such as tax leases and tax structuring, something other firms often overlook. Furthermore, the active participation of partners from different areas is noteworthy, enriching the overall perspective. We were impressed by their dedication to patiently explaining complex legal matters, adapting to our SME profile. Compared to other teams, they offer a more personalised and transparent service at a very competitive price.’

‘WFW’s strength lies in its combination of technical rigour and close client relationships. Unlike other firms, they don’t simply deliver a „standard“ contract; instead, they dedicate time to evaluating alternatives and explaining them clearly.‘

‘I have worked with this law firm and team over an extended period and have been consistently impressed by their professionalism and strategic approach. The team excels not only in legal expertise but also in retaining and developing top talent, ensuring continuity and strong client service. Their use of effective translation tools has materially improved the efficiency and accuracy of our cross‑border transactions. They are a reliable and forward‑thinking partner.’

Kernmandanten

DS Autotransport I LLC


Magallanes Renovables


Prow Capital, manager of the Green Shipping Fund


USV AS


HSBC UK


Intership


Highlight-Mandate


  • Advising Magallanes Renovables on the construction of an offshore floating turbine.
  • Advised USA AS, a consortium of Norwegian owners, on the first-of-its-kind unmanned vessel to support the offshore wind industry built in Spain.
  • Advised Intership and several other aquaculture sector owners and their financiers on their newbuilds in Spain.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

The practice at Gómez-Acebo & Pombo is primarily dedicated to financing arrangements in the shipping sector and is regularly called upon by major Spanish banks, shipping and charter companies, shipbuilders and international financial institutions. Leadership of the team is shared between Madrid-based Carlos Rueda, a name to note for asset finance deals, and Fernando Herrero, who also handles asset finance, debt capital markets and securitisations; and María García de la Concha Álvarez in Vigo, who specialises in advising shipping and charter companies on loan refinancings.

Praxisleiter:

Carlos Rueda; Fernando Herrero; María García de la Concha Álvarez


Kernmandanten

Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute


Banco Santander, S.A.


Abanca Corporación Bancaria, S.A. and Instituto de Crédito Oficial, E.P.E.


Société Générale, Sucursal en España


ABN AMRO BANK N.V.


Banco Santander, S.A. and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A.


Lombard North Central PLC


Kennedys

Kennedys is equipped to assist insurers, shipowners, shipyards and logistics companies with ship purchase, financing, chartering, shipbuilding, cargo and vessel loss and maritime salvage claims. Practice head José Pellicer is well-versed in the drafting of contracts, recovery actions, policy interpretation and other contentious and non-contentious matters in the maritime law space. Paula Petit is noted for her insurance law and dispute resolution expertise.

Praxisleiter:

Jose Pellicer


Weitere Kernanwälte:

Paula Petit


Referenzen

‘The team has proven to be comprehensive, well-coordinated, and covering all the areas we’ve needed. Their constant availability and attention to detail are remarkable.’

‘The main differentiating factor is experience and knowledge of the specific circumstances of the maritime sector. Jose Pellicer perfectly combines these aspects, along with a deep understanding of his clients and their businesses.’

‘The strong point is undoubtedly the friendly service and technical knowledge.’

Rogers & Co. Abogados

The practice at Rogers & Co. Abogados is equipped to represent insurance companies and shipowners on a broad range of shipping claims, including those related to damage to cargo, sinkings, collisions, personal injury and ship arrest. Luis Alberto García draws on extensive experience in managing land transport, shipping and aviation claims for shippers, carriers and their insurers. He oversees the team with Marie Rogers and David Diez Ramos.

Praxisleiter:

Luis Alberto García Villar; Marie Rogers; David Diez Ramos


Referenzen

‘Flexible, adaptable, always available – and always willing to offer background insight into any instruction – such that decisions taken are informed by commerciality, as well as a sound legal approach.’

‘Marie Rogers, David Diez Ramos and Luis Alberto Garcia Villar are standout experts in their field, but also treat each case, regardless of how large or small, as a gift. They are always determined to achieve the best possible result, regardless of the effort required on their part. ’

‘Rogers & Co Abogados‘ team stands out for its combination of technical excellence, commercial practicality, and proactive client service. The team is solution-driven, with a hands-on approach, which is always appreciated.’

Kernmandanten

AIG Europe SA


AXA XL


MSIG Specialty Marine


Highlight-Mandate


  • Acting for shipowner in relation to charterparty dispute subject to Spanish jurisdiction and law.