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Practice
Maritime Law
Supporting shipowners, charterers, cargo interests and traders in a field where time and jurisdiction matter.
Overview
The Calcutta High Court is empowered to hear admiralty matters under the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Act, 2017, which serves shipping companies, shipowners, charterers and cargo interests alike.
Our legal team is well versed in maritime disputes, vessel arrest, the recovery of maritime claims and international arbitration.
What we do
Services
Admiralty Actions
Legal assistance for ship arrest, vessel release and enforcement of maritime claims under the Admiralty Act, 2017. This covers claim assessment, urgent arrest applications before the appropriate High Court, release against acceptable security, challenges to wrongful arrest, and judicial sale and recovery of maritime dues.
Charterparty Disputes
Charterparty disputes can disrupt shipping operations and cause significant financial loss. The firm supports shipowners, charterers and operators in disputes over unpaid freight, hire, demurrage, off-hire claims, cargo handling delays and breaches of charterparty terms, from recovering outstanding payments to defending claims, through negotiation, arbitration or litigation.
Maritime Arbitration
Arbitration of disputes arising from charterparties, freight, demurrage, cargo damage, vessel hire and shipping contracts, with representation and advice for shipowners, charterers, operators and cargo owners focused on effective resolution and protecting commercial interests.
Cargo Claims: Loss, Shortage and Damage
A cargo claim arises when cargo is lost or damaged in transit by sea, or delivered short. The claim for compensation under the bill of lading is made against the carrier and is governed by the applicable maritime law. Notice should be sent to the carrier promptly after inspection, and legal proceedings can be started if compensation is delayed.
Marine Insurance
Claim assessment, policy review and recovery of compensation for cargo loss, transit damage and vessel casualties, with legal representation in disputes with insurers.
Shipping Contracts
Advice on ship sale and purchase, chartering, ship management, carriage of cargo and freight forwarding agreements, with support in drafting, reviewing and resolving disputes under these contracts.
Our approach
How a matter progresses
The usual course of a maritime law matter in India, from first instructions to a final outcome.
Urgent assessment
We confirm that the claim is a maritime claim under the Admiralty Act, 2017 and track the vessel's position and expected departure.
Arrest of the vessel
We apply to a High Court with admiralty jurisdiction for an order of arrest, often within hours, to secure the claim before the ship sails.
Security and release
The vessel is usually released against security, such as a bank guarantee or a letter of undertaking from a P&I club.
Adjudication
The claim is decided in an admiralty suit or, under most charterparties, by arbitration. We act in both forums.
Recovery
We enforce the judgment or award against the security, or seek a judicial sale of the vessel where no security is provided.
Questions
FAQs
General information only. For advice on your circumstances, please speak to an attorney.
Can a ship be arrested in India to secure a claim?
Which courts hear admiralty matters?
Further reading
Official sources
Primary sources for maritime law in India, and articles by the firm's attorneys.
Official sources
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