Practice areas
Shipping: Commercial shipping
We have a highly experienced shipping team that advises on the preparation and negotiation of a wide range of commercial shipping contracts. Much of our work involves the sale and purchase of shipping tonnage and ranges from the relative simplicity of producing a Norwegian Saleform Memorandum of Agreement for the purchase of second hand tonnage to more complex transactions, possibly involving fleet acquisitions or the sale and lease-back of vessels. We have particular experience in the complex issue of the sale and purchase of newbuildings still under construction, whether by way of novation of the shipbuilding contract or otherwise.
The team also regularly prepares and negotiates time, voyage and bareboat charters as well as long term contracts of affreightment, in each case tailored to the requirements of the relevant trade in question. In addition, the team is experienced in handling pooling and capacity sharing arrangements for a wide range of vessel types.
In the event that a vessel is to be owned and operated as part of a joint venture, we prepare joint venture and shareholders' agreements between the relevant parties. We are also involved in the preparation and negotiation of management agreements and supervision contracts for newbuildings.
The shipping team is equally experienced in advising on all aspects of a vessel's registration, whether such registration is required in respect of a newbuilding or following the purchase of second hand tonnage, and works closely with our ship finance team in relation to such matters.
