Shipping law is a complex and specialized field, blending domestic legislation with a vast array of international conventions. In Georgia, the maritime sector is fundamentally governed by the Maritime Code, a comprehensive piece of legislation that regulates all facets of shipping activities. Our firm offers a full spectrum of legal services tailored to the needs of the shipping industry, providing shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, and cargo interests with the expert counsel necessary to navigate this intricate legal environment. We deliver commercially astute advice to help clients manage risks, resolve disputes, and ensure their operations are fully compliant with both Georgian law and international maritime standards.
Our practice covers the entire lifecycle of a vessel, beginning with transactional matters such as vessel registration under the Georgian flag, a process which offers an attractive and internationally recognized regime. We advise on the establishment of optimal ownership structures, manage the registration process with the Maritime Transport Agency, and handle related ship finance transactions, including the drafting and registration of ship mortgages to secure financing. A critical aspect of our non-contentious work involves advising on maritime liens, which are special rights against a vessel to secure claims such as crew wages, port dues, and salvage rewards. We provide clear guidance on the creation, priority, and enforcement of these liens under the specific provisions of the Georgian Maritime Code.
Dispute resolution is a core component of our shipping law practice. We represent clients in a wide range of maritime disputes, including claims arising from charter party agreements, bills of lading, collisions at sea, salvage operations, and general average incidents. Whether a matter involves complex cargo damage, demurrage claims, or contractual breaches, our lawyers possess the experience to pursue a robust claim or defense. We are adept at handling the powerful legal tool of vessel arrest and attachment to obtain security for claims, guiding clients through the necessary court procedures in Georgia. Our aim is always to achieve a commercially favorable outcome, whether through skilled negotiation, arbitration, or determined litigation in the Georgian courts.
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