Die Bearbeitung von Seerechtsansprüchen und Havarien erfordert Erfahrung und spezifisches Fachwissen, sowohl auf globaler als auch auf lokaler Ebene.
Unsere Juristen beraten und vertreten Mandanten im Zusammenhang mit Frachtschäden, Kollisionen und Zusammenstößen, sowie zur Einhaltung von Sanktionsvorschriften, Personal Injury und Wrongful Death Klagen, Versicherungen, Vessel Arrests und zur Beschlagnahme von Assets.
Zeiler Floyd Zadkovich berät regelmäßig Schiffseigner, Terminalbetreiber, Logistikdienstleister, Eigentümer und Betreiber von Equipment, P&I-Clubs und Versicherer in allen Bereichen des See- und Transportrechts. Unser globales Team ist führend in diesem Sektor und nutzt umfassende Branchenerfahrung und juristisches Know-how, um unseren Mandanten einen effizienten und effektiven Service zu bieten.
Juristen unseres Teams haben umfassende Branchenerfahrung, beispielsweise als:
Darüber hinaus veröffentlichen unsere Juristen regelmäßig wissenschaftliche Beiträge, nehmen an Branchenseminaren teil und lehren Seerecht als Gastdozenten und Lehrbeauftragte an Universitäten.
Unsere praktische Herangehensweise an die kommerziellen Bedürfnisse unserer Mandanten wurde von Chambers and Partners und Legal 500 ausgezeichnet.
Unfälle, Kollisionen und Ölverschmutzungsschäden erfordern eine umgehende und überlegte Reaktion. Genau das bieten wir unseren Mandanten. Dabei hat für uns in jeder Unfallsituation die Berücksichtigung der Sicherheit von Schiff und Besatzung oberste Priorität.
Aufgrund unserer Erfahrung sind wir in der Lage, unterschiedliche involvierte Parteien zu koordinieren, darunter Responder, Bergungspersonal, technische Experten, Untersuchungsorgane, Medienvertreter, Versicherer/P&I-Clubs sowie Gegenparteien.
Die umfangreiche Beweissicherung ist ein weiterer wichtiger Aspekt unserer Arbeit. Dies beinhaltet z.B. die Einholung von Zeugenaussagen, die Sicherung von relevanten Schiffsdokumenten, die Teilnahme an Zeugenbefragungen durch Ermittlungsbehörden und die enge Zusammenarbeit mit anderen betroffenen Parteien, um relevante Informationen zu erhalten. Jeder Unfall erfordert eine individuelle Reaktion. Unsere langjährige Erfahrung ermöglicht es uns, in jedem Fall angemessen zu reagieren.
Im Notfall sind wir rund um die Uhr unter folgenden Telefonnummern erreichbar: +1 917 868 1245 oder +44 7920 519 233.
Back to topVerurteilungen aufgrund von Personal Injury und Wrongful Death haben einen historischen Höchststand erreicht.
Ob Unfälle auf See oder Verletzungen bei Verkehrsunfällen, unsere Juristen verfügen über die nötige Erfahrung und das Know-how, um den jeweiligen Vorfall zu untersuchen, Verteidigungsmöglichkeiten frühzeitig zu erkennen und die Interessen und Vermögenswerte unserer Mandanten zu schützen. Unsere Juristen vertreten Mandanten regelmäßig vor State und Federal Courts in den USA und erzielen dabei hervorragende Ergebnisse.
Wir sind stets bereit, umgehend auf Vorfälle auf See zu reagieren, kritische Beweise zu sichern, Zeugen zu befragen und bei Untersuchungen der US-Küstenwache zu helfen. Wir vertreten Mandanten in Gerichtsverfahren im Zusammenhang mit Ansprüchen nach dem Jones Act und LHWCA 905(b) sowie bei Verletzungs- und Todesfällen infolge von Schiffsunfällen.
Darüber hinaus vertreten wir Transport- und Logistikunternehmen, die mit Schadenersatzansprüchen konfrontiert sind. Zu unseren Mandanten zählen Transportunternehmen, Broker und Equipment Owners in den gesamten USA. Wir vertreten Mandanten vor Gericht, wahren vertragliche und gesetzliche Ansprüche und unterstützen Versicherer bei der Prüfung der Begründetheit von Ansprüchen, um angemessene Rückstellungen zu bilden.
Wir sind stolz darauf, mit unserer Branchenerfahrung und juristischen Fachkompetenz als gefragte Anwälte für P&I-Clubs, Versicherungsgesellschaften und Unternehmen in der See- und Transportindustrie tätig zu sein.
Back to topWir unterstützen Parteien auf beiden Seiten von Newbuild-Transaktionen: Wir werden sowohl für große Werften als auch für Schiffseigner tätig. Wir beraten Käufer während des gesamten Transaktionszeitraums und setzen Gewährleistungsansprüche für Käufer im Fall von nach der Lieferung durch.
Wir beraten und vertreten Mandanten auch bei Streitigkeiten im Zusammenhang mit Schiffsverkaufsverträgen, unter anderem bei Problemen mit dem Zustand des Schiffs und den Lieferverpflichtungen des Verkäufers.
Back to topUnser Schifffahrtsteam verfügt über umfassende Vollstreckungserfahrung (dabei arbeiten wir in engem Kontakt mit unserem internationalen Kollegennetzwerk).
So haben wir bereits Forderungen für eine Reihe großer Finanzierungsinstitutionen gegen Schiffseigner vollstreckt. Wir betreuen unsere Mandanten während des gesamten Verfahrens, vom ersten Mahnschreiben bis zum gerichtlich angeordneten Verkauf eines Schiffes.
Wir verfügen auch über beträchtliche Erfahrung mit Schiffsfinanzierungsgeschäften, Darlehensverträgen und Schiffshypotheken.
Back to topWir wissen, wie man Charterverträge erstellt und verhandelt. und übernehmen verschiedene Aufgaben im Charterverfahren – von der Verhandlungsführung mit der Gegenpartei und der Abfassung des Vertragsentwurfs bis hin zur Beratung zu einzelnen Klauseln. Wir waren an zahllosen lang- und kurzfristigen Charterverhandlungen sowohl als in-house Counsel als auch als Anwälte beteiligt und arbeiten effizient mit unseren Mandanten zusammen, um Verträge präzise und zügig abzuschließen.
Back to topDie Durchsetzung eines Anspruchs ist erst erfolgreich, wenn die unterlegene Gegenpartei ihren Verpflichtungen auch tatsächlich nachkommt.
Wir handeln schnell und präzise, um die rechtliche Position unserer Mandanten zu sichern. Wir sind als Marktführer bei US-Security Actions anerkannt, wobei dies auch Klagen gegen “Alter-Ego”-Beklagte umfasst (piercing the corporate veil).
Unsere Leistungen umfassen zudem die Sicherung von Schiffen, die Geltendmachung von Pfandrechten an Fracht, Unterfrachten und Untervermietungen, die Pfändungen von Geschäftsforderungen oder die Pfändung anderer Vermögenswerte des Gegners, oftmals vor dem Hintergrund einer (drohenden) Insolvenz.
All dies erfordert sowohl Kreativität als auch detailgenaue Prüfungen. Wir leisten beides, um die Ansprüche unserer Mandanten durchzusetzen und rechtskräftige Titel zu Geld zu machen.
Back to topWir verfügen über umfassende Erfahrung mit Streitigkeiten im Zusammenhang mit Schifffahrtsverträgen. Dazu gehören Bills of Lading, Charterverträge, Frachtverträge, Schadloshaltungserklärungen, Seefrachtbriefe und Wechsel.
Bei Streitigkeiten im Zusammenhang mit Zeitcharterverträgen betreuen wir Off-Hire-Angelegenheiten, beraten bei Rücktritt wegen Nichtzahlung und Fragen der Wiederauslieferung sowie zu Hold Cleanliness Fällen, Garantien und anderen Angelegenheiten.
In Bezug auf Reisecharterverträge beraten wir unter anderem zu Liegegeldforderungen und Forderungen im Zusammenhang mit der Bezahlung von Fracht oder mit Fehlfracht. Wir beraten Mandanten auch im Zusammenhang mit Ansprüchen aus Bills of Lading, einschließlich Fehllieferungen oder Schäden an der Ladung.
Streitigkeiten im Schifffahrtsbereich werden regelmäßig im Wege eines Schiedsverfahrens (LMAA, LCIA, ICC, SMA, AAA, SIAC, HKIAC, CIETAC und ad-hoc) oder eines Gerichtsverfahrens ausgetragen und umfassen oft auch Anträge auf Erlassung einstweiliger Maßnahmen. Unser Team weiß, wie es unsere Mandanten zielgerichtet auch durch die komplexesten Verfahren führt.
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Assessing criminal and civil options, and coordinating an asset seizure search and attach strategy in Mexico for a major case for shipowners pursuing a Chinese mining conglomerate in Mexico. The underlying case involved allegations of cartel cooperation and fraudulent dissipation of assets (USD 2.5 million).
Representation and assisting the representation of several clients in several US Federal District Courts regarding seeking of security for underlying claims by way of maritime attachment proceedings.
Representation of International bank involving actions under the Insolvency Act 1986 to unwind a transaction at an undervalue/a transaction entered into with intent to defraud creditors. Part of a broader coordinated global approach to enforce a claim against an insolvent entity.
Representation of a major US oil refinery in relation to disputes under their shipping contracts during the COVID-19 crisis. The dispute related to delays under a bespoke charterparty.
Pursued a claim for major US commodities trading house for damages in respect of late delivery / unseaworthiness against vessel owners in LMAA arbitration proceedings. Also handled negotiations with Mediterranean receivers. Brought related actions in Texas and Turkey for discovery and vessel arrest against the owners.
Legal advice to a major American oil company on disputes relating to their fleet of vessels, including queries relating to demurrage, off-hire and cargo contamination.
Commenced ad hoc London arbitration proceedings for an Italian coal trader claiming wrongful arrest in respect of a time charterparty. Involved complex conflict of laws questions.
Pursued a large energy company for shipowner clients seeking damages arising due to delay / fire to a terminal in Brazil. We intervened into related English Court of Appeal proceedings and obtained a favourable outcome.
Assessing the laws on lifting the corporate veil on companies in Mexico for a major shipping demurrage case, where the underlying cargo interests were not in a position to accept delivery and the vessel carrying crude ended up waiting for months before discharge could occur (USD 3+ million).
Advised a major international trading house (Singaporean plc), in respect of a cargo claim against vessel owners. Travelled to Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria, to take evidence from our trading clients, surveyors, port terminal operators and harbour masters. In the arbitration proceedings, the Owners counter-claimed for wrongful arrest in Nigeria / breach of London arbitration agreement.
Acted on an ad hoc arbitration claim for international London-based trading house, specialising in steel and metals trade, against an Italian receiver for liability under UK COGSA for quality issues.
Representation of major Danish shipowner in an off-hire and performance dispute which threw to both US and English jurisdictions.
Acted for a Belgian/Turkish shipowner in relation to outstanding sums under a series of charter parties. Obtained an award in the client’s favor. The matter involved dispute over jurisdiction, overdue hire payments and the validity of an assignment.
Preparation of bespoke template charterparty documents for vessel owners in the LNG industry. Advising on the terms of ShellLNGTime 1 and ShellLNGTime 2 to provide a comprehensive template/standard form document at an appropriate risk level for clients.
Representation of major international LNG supplier and charterer on their position in respect of a multi-million dollar off-hire claim. The dispute turned on bespoke off-hire wording and complex legal questions in LCIA arbitration.
Defense of logistics company against claims involving a cargo of copper that disappeared from a container in transit. Enforced package limitation under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act and won appeal before Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Representation of client insurance company in the Eastern District of Wisconsin regarding damages to a cargo of food products carried from California.
Representation of European bank regarding recovery of a multi-million dollar claim against an insolvent entity under claims relating to mis-delivery of cargo. Assertively pursued security actions against possible assets and successfully obtained an attachment over assets belonging to an alter-ego in a US targeting a vessel in the Southern District of Texas. In a reported decision, successfully defeated post-discovery motion to vacate seizure order and dismiss action. Global litigation included proceedings in UK and East Asia.
Representation of Italian shipowners in defense of numerous cargo claims resulting from signficant vessel incident involving major container loss.
Advised on and drafted protective clauses for a major US oil refinery in relation to risk under their shipping contracts during the Covid-19 crisis.
Acted for a Norwegian chartering company in four separate arbitrations/charters. Issues include failure to nominate, coercion to pay outstanding demurrage, failure to pass on money received from sub-charterers and receipt of fund by agents for principals. There were separate Norwegian proceedings for security.
Advised a major Polish chemical company, as charterers, in relation to an LMAA arbitration claim brought by the Owners for demurrage and other outstandings.
Representation of global energy major in an LMAA arbitration in a long-term charterparty dispute for a LNG carrier.
Representation of European ro-ro operator and logistics services provider in relation to a multi-jurisdictional dispute arising from container damage at the Port of Cork, UK.
Defended oil spill indemnification claims against client time charterer following oil spill event on Mississippi.
Representation of Asian shipowner in US federal litigation brought against a publicly traded US minerals and mining company in connection with the pursuit of fraudulent transfer claims. In a reported decision, successfully defeated summary judgment motion made by defendant.
Secured a settlement at almost the entire value of the claim for a major shipping operator in respect of a shortage claim under bills of lading.
Defended an ICC arbitration claim for our Egyptian trader clients, as sellers, for short shipment under a sale and purchase contract.
Obtained dismissals based on U.S. maritime law defenses resulting in reduction of client’s damages from multimillion-dollar jury verdict to less than $300,000.00 in a lawsuit by former Jones Act employee and family.
Advising Mexican subsidiary of a major Austrian group in the oil drilling industry on its day-to-day corporate and employment issues, including the drafting and reviewing of master sales agreements that contain provisions stipulating specific timeframes and transportation information for delivery and return of rental equipment, as well as other complex commercial contracts.
Acted for an international metals trading house, and then its cargo underwriters, in a major subrogated claim against Owners, Shippers and Receivers in relation to stolen steel cargo. The case involved multi-layered court action across the world, including vessel arrest proceedings in Turkey and Lebanon, and other corporate criminal actions in Russia, Florida and Switzerland.
Representation of US energy major in defense of general average claims following vessel grounding. Claims not pursued following aggressive pursuit of international discovery and investigation. Handled global coordination of legal and investigatory team.
Defended demurrage claim based on a series of long-term delays at various load/discharge ports. Developing arguments based on tendering of an invalid NOR and deploying compelling fact-based evidence to fall within an exemption to demurrage
Advised coal trader on a 1.5 year coal supply contract dispute against the receiver. The receiver argued repudiation for alleged fraudulent conduct, namely backdating a B/L. Client claimed damages for wrongful repudiation in LCIA proceedings. There were related LMAA arbitration proceedings and UK court proceedings for freezing orders and vessel arrest.
Advised shipowner clients and its P&I Club on a cargo misdelivery claim and associated indemnity action. The bill holders’ claim was subject to LMAA arbitration proceedings and the indemnity proceedings were before the English High Court. Our client obtained freezing orders against the commodities trader in England, enforced those in Switzerland and Rule B attachments against the indemnifying party in the US, having defended a sister-ship arrest in Morocco and related proceedings in Dakar.
Obtained dismissal of employee’s workers’ compensation claim for Longshore Act employer client at trial level, resulting in settlement for amounts previously paid following appeal of court’s dismissal.
Representation of a Singaporean shipping company with its main seat of business in London in enforcement and recognition of foreign award proceedings (USD 5.7 million, Mexican courts).
Advised a large US commodities trader in an arbitration claim for overpaid hire and bunkers on a time charterparty. This involved insolvency proceedings in Greece and various actions for security.
With Luke deep in hearing prep this week, Calum was joined by Miguel to look at a (slightly speculative…) attempt to use the wording of the LMAA Small Claims procedure to bar a claim.
A quick fire one this week – but a snapshot into an interesting maritime law point, London Arbitration 9/23.
Case by Case 71 – Refining the law on Foreign Experts
„This is not a paid commercial… but … TimTams!“
After the yummy detour, this pod is about a serious arbitration topic.
The scope of an arbitration agreement. We know it well under English law. Here the question is subject to Iranian law.
Case by Case – episode 70: Captured in Time
We are back this week with an interesting shipping case. Just as we become podcaster septuagenarians.
I could open this with a profound question like, „what is the meaning of time?“
But this is a more concrete question about whether breach of a vessel hull cleaning clause was intended to create a debt claim for hire post-charter or damages claim.
Case by Case – episode 69: From Gadani to the Garage
If you are on holidays and hire a car, then you will agree with the car hire company where that car needs to be redelivered. If you drop it off somewhere not agreed, then there will be a cost charged.
We’re talking about the same kind of thing here.
Case by Case – episode 68: The Place to Rule B.
„This is in our sweet spot…“ so we start on video. And it is. Our original USP as a law firm was to handle US and UK legal matters seamlessly. We’ve grown, combined and added EU legal work into the mix too, and Australian law. This case explores the limits of the USA Rule B attachment in the context of maritime indemnity claims and how drafting of the underlying UK dispute can influence the US court’s approach to the attachment. Indemnity claims in the maritime space come in different shapes and sizes. They could be under an LOI for delivery without presentation of bills. Edward and Luke first started working together on such a case at different firms, where I handled the UK indemnity claim and Ed attached a litigated US claim under Rule B. That’s where our story all started.
Calum and Luke had a lot of fun in NY doing this session in front of key clients last week. Our colleagues‘ heckling notwithstanding. Essentially, we skip through 6 recent English cases from the first half of 2023. Some we’ve done before and some are new. Traversing plenty of territory in the shipping, commodities and insurance space. This pod will give you a good flavour of what’s been going on in the courts.
And yes, that’s our wacky art wall in the NYC office and not a virtual background…
This week Luke and Calum discuss English Court of Appeal case FIMBank PLC v KCH Shipping Co Ltd (“The Giant Ace”) [2023] EWCA Civ 569.
This is a good one. All about whether a claim for misdelivery arising after discharge of the goods from the vessel is time barred or not. Hague Rules versus Hague Visby Rules… Is there a big difference between the two versions of the Convention on the application of the one year time bar to post-discharge misdelivery claims? The court states that it found the „bull’s eye“ in the travaux préparatoires reaching its decision… We ask, with respect, did it really?
This week Luke and Calum discuss the English Court of Appeal case of Unicredit Bank AG v Euronav NV [2023] EWCA Civ 471.
This is a fascinating case that gets into the heart of the status of paper bills of lading. It highlights the dangers for banks in relying on paper bills, where the charterparty allows for novation of the charterparty and delivery against a letter of indemnity from charterers.
Case by Case – episode 64: In the Bunker(s)
What are bunkers? Fuel on ships. You know when you hire a rental car and it comes with a full tank… and you need to choose whether to give the car back with a full tank (having filled up yourself) or you pay the top up amount at the rental company’s price? Well, we are talking about something similar here. Ships don’t usually get delivered, or redelivered, on time charters with full tanks. But how do you deal with the bunkers? Here we look at what formula should apply to work out how much the charterers (ie. the renters) need to pay the owners (ie. the rental company) for the fuel on redelivery. It’s a neat one that deals with when charterers redeliver too much ! Remember the price of fuel fluctuates regularly and we’re not talking about the mere cost of filling up a car…
Citation is LMLN London Arbitration 3/23.
This week Luke and Calum are back with a chat about England & Wales Court of Appeal case DHL Project & Chartering Ltd v Gemini Ocean Shipping Co Ltd [2022] EWCA Civ 1555.
The Beijing Convention provides a framework for the rights and obligations of stakeholders following judicial sale of ships, whether that be by judicial auction or by way of private treaty. The framework increases protection for prospective purchasers of those ships, usually being sold in the context of enforcement of maritime claim proceedings. The clearly stated aim of the Convention is to realise better value for ships sold in distressed circumstances, on the basis that higher prices benefit debtors and creditors alike.
In this update, we take a look at the main provisions of the Beijing Convention and what they mean for stakeholders in judicial sales of vessels.
Read the full article here.
The Final Report on the proposed Reform of the Arbitration Act
Pursuant to a charterparty dated 9 June 2021 on an amended NYPE form (the “Charterparty”), Langlois Enterprises Ltd (“Owners”) agreed to let, and Smart Gain Shipping Co Ltd (“Charterers”) agreed to hire, the MV Globe Danae (“Vessel”) for a time charter trip of about 40 to 50 days via the east coast of India to Brazil.
We are thrilled to announce the latest growth at our law firm with the addition of three exceptional legal minds to our London office.
We had a remarkable time at our New York client event last week!
The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) was introduced in 2005. It is the foundation of the EU’s policy to combat climate change and is a key tool for cost-effectively working towards a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
We are delighted to announce the arrival of Jonathan Webb, who has joined ZFZ as a Partner in London.
What will decarbonization in the maritime world look like over the next couple decades?
📢 Wonderful news announcement x2:
We are proud to share that Eva-Maria Mayer and Philip Vagin have both been promoted to Senior Associate with our firm!
We’re thrilled to have Miguel Caballero on board, having recently joined our London office as Senior Associate.
