Lawyers Specialising in Maritime Law
Fundamental Principles and International Maritime Conventions and Treaties
Maritime law is underpinned by a number of fundamental principles that guide the regulation of activities at sea. These principles, in conjunction with international agreements, provide an essential legal framework for safety and cooperation in the world’s oceans and seas.
One of the fundamental treaties of modern maritime law is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which establishes specific rules on the delimitation of maritime boundaries, conservation of marine resources, protection of the marine environment and navigation.
There are numerous international maritime conventions and treaties that address particular issues:
- International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS): Rules to ensure the safety of persons and property at sea.
- 1973 Protocol to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL): Regulations to prevent pollution of the marine environment from ships.
- International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments: Ballast water management regulations.
- International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage (CLC): Liability of shipowners for pollution caused by oil spills.
Without prejudice to these conventions, each state, within the framework of its competences, can draw up maritime legislation. In the case of Spain, the main legal references of domestic origin are the Law on Maritime Navigation and the Law on State Ports and the Merchant Navy. The former regulates navigation and safety at sea, while the latter oversees port management and maritime transport in Spain.
Current Challenges in Maritime Law: Logistics and Transport
Today’s challenges in maritime law are closely linked to logistics. Disruption of global supply chains, protection of the marine environment, security against piracy and cyber security, sustainable management of marine resources, technological developments in logistics and the impact of climate change are essential legal issues. Maritime law, constantly evolving, must adapt to ensure safety, sustainability and efficiency in the global maritime industry, for which logistics is an essential element.
Our team of specialist lawyers assists in drafting contracts of carriage, customs compliance, occupational health and safety, environmental regulations, intellectual property, insurance and liability, and assists in resolving disputes. Always depending on geographical location and type of operations. Strategic advice on route planning and adapting to legal changes contributes to efficiency and safety in this global industry.
What sets us apart as expert lawyers in maritime law?
Our lawyers at Navas & Cusí are experts in maritime law with practical experience, communication skills, professional ethics and the ability to resolve disputes in the complex world of maritime activities and shipping. The qualities that set us apart are:
- In-depth expertise in international maritime law
- Experience in customs law and international trade
- Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment
- Effective communication skills
- Conflict resolution
- Professional ethics
- Connected, adaptable and up to date
Future of Maritime Law and conclusions
The future of maritime law involves adapting to technological, environmental and regulatory challenges. This will require greater specialisation in digitalisation and global legal regulations.
At Navas & Cusí abogados, with offices in Madrid, Barcelona, Brussels and Athens, we are ready to help clients navigate this evolving landscape, providing expert advice in these critical areas, and ensuring that their interests are protected in an increasingly complex maritime world.
