Maritime and shipping lawyers in Dubai — AMCO Law Firm

Maritime Lawyers in Dubai

Dubai's position as one of the world's busiest port cities — with Jebel Ali Port handling over 13 million TEUs annually — makes maritime and shipping disputes a regular feature of the commercial landscape. Vessel arrests, cargo damage claims, charter party disputes, and bills of lading disagreements require lawyers who understand both UAE maritime law and international conventions.

AMCO Law Firm's maritime practice handles shipping disputes, admiralty claims, and marine insurance matters across Dubai Courts, DIFC Courts, and international arbitration. The team brings practical experience in vessel arrest proceedings, cargo claims, and maritime commercial disputes.

ShippingMaritime Disputes
VesselArrest Applications
CargoDamage & Loss Claims
DIAC & LondonArbitration

Our Maritime Law Services

Vessel Arrest & Release

Vessel arrest is a powerful remedy for maritime creditors. Under UAE Maritime Law (Federal Law No. 26 of 1981), courts can order the arrest of a vessel to secure maritime claims. AMCO handles urgent arrest applications — these are time-critical proceedings where delays allow the vessel to depart. We also represent vessel owners and operators seeking release from arrest.

Cargo Claims

Cargo damage, loss, and delay claims involve complex questions of liability under bills of lading, charter parties, and international conventions (Hague-Visby Rules). We represent cargo owners, carriers, and their insurers in cargo claim disputes, managing investigations, surveys, and proceedings before courts or arbitration.

Charter Party Disputes

Time charter, voyage charter, and bareboat charter disputes — hire payment defaults, off-hire claims, speed and consumption disputes, and early redelivery — are resolved through arbitration (typically London) or local court proceedings. AMCO handles charter party disputes in both forums.

Marine Insurance

Marine insurance disputes involve hull and machinery claims, P&I coverage, cargo insurance, and loss of hire. We advise on policy interpretation, claim presentation, and represent clients in coverage disputes with marine insurers.

Shipbuilding & Ship Sale Disputes

Disputes arising from ship purchase agreements (MOA), shipbuilding contracts, and ship conversion arrangements involve specialised maritime commercial law. We handle disputes over delivery conditions, defects, price adjustments, and contract termination.

Port & Terminal Disputes

Disputes with port authorities, terminal operators, and logistics companies concerning berthing, storage, handling damage, and demurrage are common in Dubai's maritime sector. We represent all parties in port-related commercial disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vessel arrest applications can be filed and orders obtained within 24-48 hours in urgent cases. The key is having documentation ready — the maritime claim, evidence of the connection between the claim and the vessel, and security requirements. Contact AMCO immediately if you need an urgent arrest.

UAE Federal Law No. 26 of 1981 (Maritime Commercial Law) is the primary statute, supplemented by international conventions the UAE has ratified. For contracts with foreign elements, the governing law clause in the contract is critical. Many shipping contracts specify English law and London arbitration.

Vessel arrest is available for maritime claims as defined in UAE Maritime Law — this includes cargo damage, charter hire, salvage, collision, and other specified maritime claims. Not all commercial disputes related to shipping qualify for vessel arrest. AMCO assesses whether your claim supports an arrest application.

Dubai Courts have a maritime circuit for local proceedings. Many commercial maritime contracts specify DIAC or London arbitration. DIFC Courts handle maritime matters where DIFC jurisdiction applies. The appropriate forum depends on the contract's dispute resolution clause.