Our attorneys handle complex commercial disputes arising from agreements unique to the maritime industry as well as marine casualty, personal injury, wrongful death, loss of cargo and pollution claims. We respond to government investigations, resolve administrative and criminal enforcement actions and defend criminal and civil litigation. Moreover, we handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers. We emphasize in-depth investigations and evaluate all settlement options in order to settle personal injury cases quickly under reasonable terms without litigation. When litigation is warranted, however, we work closely with the client to develop and execute an effective trial or appeal strategy.
Maritime activity is heavily regulated by numerous federal and international treaties. We counsel clients on regulations enforced by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including tariffs and service contracts; discussion agreements; vessel sharing agreements; and niche or specialty agreements. We assist with towing, salvage and fisheries law compliance; maritime promotional programs; U.S. sanction and embargo laws under the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC); and many other domestic and international regulatory regimes impacting the maritime industry. We work closely with other practice groups within the firm including Litigation, Environmental Law, Eminent Domain, Governmental Contracts & Construction, and International to ensure coverage on a range of regulatory matters.
The K&C Maritime Law attorneys also handle traditional asset-backed ship finance, leasing transactions and other custom-tailored financings, as well as capital raised in the public and private markets. We provide ongoing counsel on charter parties, vessel registration, citizenship requirements, restructuring, workouts and maritime lien enforcement. Our attorneys serve as special counsel in mergers and acquisitions involving foreign and domestic maritime-related assets. We also advise on ship construction and repair contracts as well as vessel sale and purchase matters.
