Maritime Lawyer in Dubai
Work with a maritime lawyer in Dubai for shipping contracts, vessel registration, maritime disputes, and cargo claims under UAE and international maritime law. We provide clear guidance, practical advice, and effective dispute resolution across ports, shipping companies, and cargo owners throughout the UAE maritime sector.
Need maritime legal assistance? Contact our Dubai maritime legal team today.
What We Do
- Drafting and reviewing shipping contracts, charter parties, bills of lading, and marine insurance policies
- Vessel registration, mortgage, and deregistration support with UAE maritime authorities
- Resolving maritime disputes including cargo claims, collisions, salvage, and pollution liabilities
- Representation in arbitral proceedings under London Maritime Arbitration Association (LMAA), DIAC, and ICC rules
- Advising on regulatory compliance with UAE Ports Authority, MOCCAE, and free zone maritime laws
- Handling crew claims, employment disputes, and marine personal injury matters
How We Help
- Review your maritime contracts and regulatory obligations to identify risks and advise solutions
- Assist in settling disputes through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration with maritime law experience
- Represent clients in UAE courts, maritime tribunals, and international arbitral forums
Shipping Contracts and Documentation
Charter Party and Vessel Sale Agreements
Handle complex shipping agreements that form the backbone of maritime commerce operations.
Charter Party Agreements
- Draft and negotiate time charter, voyage charter, and bareboat charter agreements
- Review charter party terms including laytime, demurrage, and off-hire provisions
- Negotiate hire rates, fuel clauses, and performance warranties
Vessel Sale and Purchase
- Prepare memoranda of agreement for vessel transactions
- Handle due diligence procedures and pre-delivery inspections
- Coordinate closing procedures and title transfer documentation
Marine Insurance and Risk Management
Insurance Policy Review
- Advise on cargo, hull, machinery damage, and protection & indemnity club policies
- Review policy terms, exclusions, and claims notification requirements
- Handle disputes over coverage scope and claim recoveries
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Evaluate maritime risks in commercial operations
- Advise on insurance adequacy and coverage gaps
- Coordinate with marine surveyors and risk consultants
Vessel Registration and Maritime Finance
UAE Vessel Registration Services
Navigate the complex requirements for vessel registration within UAE maritime jurisdiction.
Registration Procedures
- Support vessel registration with UAE Ministry of Economy and Dubai Maritime City Authority
- Manage documentation requirements including tonnage certificates and safety inspections
- Handle changes in ownership, flag state transfers, and deregistration processes
Compliance and Certification
- Ensure compliance with UAE Maritime Law and international conventions
- Coordinate maritime authority inspections and certificate renewals
- Handle port state control issues and detention releases
Maritime Financing and Security
Vessel Mortgage and Liens
- Draft and review vessel mortgage agreements for banks and financiers
- Register maritime liens and preferred mortgages with UAE authorities
- Handle mortgage enforcement and vessel arrest procedures
Ship Finance Transactions
- Advise on structured finance arrangements and lease agreements
- Coordinate security documentation for multi-jurisdictional transactions
- Handle refinancing and restructuring of maritime debt
Maritime Disputes and Claims Resolution
Cargo and Freight Disputes
Resolve complex cargo disputes involving multiple parties across international jurisdictions.
Cargo Damage and Loss Claims
- Handle claims under bills of lading and international conventions including Hague-Visby Rules
- Coordinate cargo surveys and expert evidence preparation
- Negotiate settlements with carriers, insurers, and cargo interests
Freight and Demurrage Disputes
- Calculate and pursue demurrage claims for charter party breaches
- Handle freight payment disputes and lien enforcement
- Resolve laytime and notice of readiness controversies
Collision and Marine Casualties
Vessel Collision Claims
- Manage collision liability investigations and apportionment
- Coordinate with marine accident investigators and technical experts
- Handle cross-claims between vessel owners and insurers
Salvage and General Average
- Advise on salvage operations and Lloyd’s Open Form arrangements
- Handle general average adjustments and security provision
- Negotiate salvage awards and coordinate casualty responses
Environmental and Pollution Claims
Marine Pollution Incidents
- Advise on liability under international pollution conventions
- Handle regulatory investigations by UAE environmental authorities
- Coordinate cleanup operations and insurance claim procedures
Environmental Compliance
- Ensure compliance with UAE marine environmental regulations
- Handle ballast water management and emissions compliance issues
- Advise on green shipping initiatives and regulatory changes
Maritime Arbitration and Litigation
International Maritime Arbitration
Represent clients in sophisticated maritime arbitration proceedings worldwide.
LMAA and Institutional Arbitration
- Manage arbitration under London Maritime Arbitrators Association terms
- Handle DIAC, ICC, and other institutional maritime arbitration rules
- Coordinate multi-party arbitrations and consolidation applications
Expert Coordination and Evidence
- Work with marine surveyors, naval architects, and technical specialists
- Prepare expert witness statements and technical evidence
- Handle document production and inspection procedures
UAE Maritime Court Proceedings
Dubai Courts Maritime Jurisdiction
- File maritime claims in Dubai Courts Commercial Division
- Handle urgent applications for vessel arrest and security measures
- Coordinate enforcement of foreign maritime judgments
Specialized Maritime Procedures
- Navigate UAE-specific maritime procedural requirements
- Handle in rem proceedings against vessels and maritime property
- Coordinate with Dubai Maritime City Authority on jurisdictional matters
Crew and Maritime Employment
Maritime Labor Disputes
Crew Employment and Wages
- Draft and review seafarer employment agreements under UAE maritime labor law
- Handle unpaid wage claims and crew repatriation matters
- Resolve disputes over working conditions and contract terms
Personal Injury and Maritime Accidents
- Pursue personal injury claims for crew members and maritime workers
- Handle occupational disease claims and fitness for duty issues
- Coordinate medical treatment and compensation procedures
Who We Support
- Ship Owners and Operators: Vessel owners, ship management companies, and maritime operators requiring contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, and dispute resolution services across UAE waters and international operations.
- Cargo Owners and Traders: Importers, exporters, and commodity traders needing assistance with cargo claims, transportation disputes, and marine insurance matters affecting their Dubai and UAE operations.
- Financial Institutions:Banks, ship finance companies, and maritime investment funds requiring vessel mortgage documentation, security enforcement, and maritime asset recovery services.
- Marine Insurers and P&I Clubs: Insurance companies, protection and indemnity associations, and marine underwriters needing claims handling, coverage disputes, and regulatory compliance support.
Our Maritime Legal Process
Step 1: Case Assessment and Strategy
Review maritime contracts, vessel details, or dispute facts to assess legal options under UAE and international maritime law.
Step 2: Documentation and Negotiation
Draft maritime agreements, prepare claims documentation, and engage in settlement negotiations or mediation procedures.
Step 3: Arbitration or Court Proceedings
File arbitration requests or court claims, manage procedural timelines, and coordinate expert evidence presentation.
Step 4: Enforcement and Recovery
Obtain arbitral awards or court judgments, coordinate enforcement procedures, and manage asset recovery actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
UAE shipping operations are governed by UAE Federal Maritime Law, international conventions including SOLAS, MARPOL, and Hague-Visby Rules, plus local regulations from Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Maritime City Authority. The UAE has ratified major international maritime conventions and applies them alongside federal maritime legislation.
Vessel registration requires filing applications with UAE Ministry of Economy including ownership documentation, tonnage certificates, safety inspection certificates, and applicable fees. Registration processes vary for UAE flagged vessels versus foreign flagged vessels operating in UAE waters, with specific requirements for Dubai Maritime City registered entities.
A charter party is a contract between shipowner and charterer outlining vessel use terms. Key provisions include hire rates, laytime calculations, demurrage rates, off-hire clauses, fuel arrangements, cargo specifications, loading/discharge procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Charter parties are typically based on standard forms like NYPE or Shelltime.
Yes, cargo damage claims are possible under bill of lading terms and applicable international conventions. Claims must be filed within statutory time limits, typically one year under Hague-Visby Rules. Evidence requirements include cargo surveys, delivery receipts, commercial invoices, and proof of loss or damage occurring during sea carriage.
Maritime disputes are resolved through arbitration under institutional rules (LMAA, DIAC, ICC) or litigation in Dubai Courts depending on contractual dispute resolution clauses. Many commercial maritime contracts specify London arbitration, while local disputes may proceed through Dubai Courts Commercial Division with specialized maritime procedures.
Common marine insurance includes hull and machinery coverage for vessels, cargo insurance for goods in transit, protection and indemnity (P&I) club coverage for third-party liabilities, and freight insurance. UAE regulations may require specific insurance minimums for vessel operations in UAE territorial waters.
Crew members have rights to fair wages, proper working conditions, medical care, repatriation assistance, and compensation for work-related injuries under UAE maritime labor provisions. Seafarer employment agreements must comply with UAE Labor Law and international maritime labor conventions ratified by the UAE.
Maritime arbitration duration varies significantly based on case complexity, ranging from 8-12 months for straightforward disputes to 18-24 months for complex multi-party cases involving technical evidence. LMAA arbitrations often resolve faster than institutional arbitrations due to streamlined procedures and specialized maritime arbitrators.
Yes, foreign maritime arbitral awards are generally enforceable in UAE under the New York Convention, which the UAE has ratified. Enforcement requires UAE court recognition procedures, and awards are typically enforced unless they violate UAE public policy or procedural requirements.
Vessel arrest procedures in Dubai require court applications demonstrating maritime claims and security requirements. Arrested vessels cannot leave port until claims are resolved or adequate security is provided. The process involves coordination between courts, port authorities, and maritime law enforcement agencies.