Our experience and specialist legal, industry and local knowledge allow us to provide informed advice to this economically vital area of our economy. This gives clients the confidence to engage us for every type of project, incident or dispute in this sector.

We understand the industry and clients' objectives and ambitions and recognise the issues that can arise. We handle admiralty claims, emergency response, shipbuilding, charterparties, logistics, fatal personal injury and disease claims, marine insurance, regulatory investigations, fatal accident inquiries and defence. We also advise on every stage of a vessel or project's lifecycle, from finance, construction, sale or purchase to chartering, and the myriad of operational issues and challenges that arise for all parties in the maritime environment.

Identification and management of risk is central to our advice, based on considered, analytical thought as well as a very practical focus on mitigating risk and resolving disputes. We draw on expertise of a multi-disciplinary team.

We act on behalf of a national and international client base with business operating in, from or to Scotland - working with owners, charterers, P&I clubs, banks, underwriters and port authorities to name but a few. We act for clients operating in the merchant, ferries, yachts, ports, logistics, offshore and renewable energy sectors.

Shipping & Marine key highlights icon

Shipping & Marine key highlights

  • Engaged with the sector as active members of key industry bodies – UK Chamber of Shipping, British Ports Association, Marine Safety Forum, Scottish Maritime Cluster, UK Harbour Master's Association.
  • Acted for lenders funding new builds overseas for Scottish owners of cargo, ferry, aquaculture and fishing vessels.
  • Extensive experience in incident response and regulatory investigations.
  • Experience advising on specialist areas of maritime law at both industry and governmental level.