Addressing legal challenges in the maritime sector with specialized knowledge.
Our team is equipped to help you manage the legal complexities that come with operating in the maritime sector. Whether you’re dealing with vessel ownership, charter agreements, or insurance matters, we ensure that your operations are aligned with UAE and international maritime regulations.
We provide strategic, effective, and detailed legal solutions to address complex legal challenges and ensure full compliance across all sectors
- Our approach
Services
We Provide
Maritime Contracts and Transactions
We assist clients in drafting, negotiating, and reviewing maritime contracts and agreements, including charter parties, bills of lading, ship sale and purchase agreements, shipbuilding contracts, and maritime insurance policies.
Marine Insurance
We advise on marine insurance matters, including hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity (P&I) insurance, cargo insurance, and liability coverage for maritime risks, ensuring adequate protection and compliance with insurance requirements.
Maritime Dispute Resolution
Our team handles maritime disputes through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation, addressing issues such as vessel collisions, cargo damage claims, maritime liens, salvage claims, and maritime pollution incidents.
Regulatory Compliance and International Conventions
We provide guidance on regulatory compliance with UAE maritime laws, international maritime conventions (such as SOLAS, MARPOL), port regulations, flag state requirements, and sanctions compliance for maritime operations.
Related Insights
At Muna Mubarak Abu Khater Advocates, we are committed to delivering expert legal counsel and pragmatic solutions in maritime and shipping law, safeguarding the interests of our clients and promoting maritime commerce and safety in accordance with UAE and international legal standards.
Maritime and Shipping Law FAQs
What are the key requirements for vessel registration in the UAE?
To register a vessel in the UAE, the shipowner must be a UAE national or a corporation incorporated in the UAE. The vessel must meet specific age limits depending on its type and intended operation. Additionally, the vessel must pass an inspection by an authorized surveyor to ensure seaworthiness and compliance with UAE maritime safety regulations. Once these criteria are met, the shipowner can obtain the necessary certificates, including the Certificate of Registry, allowing the vessel to operate under the UAE flag.
How does the UAE handle maritime dispute resolution?
Maritime disputes in the UAE can be resolved through litigation, arbitration, or mediation. The UAE courts handle a wide range of maritime disputes, but arbitration is often preferred due to its specialized nature. The Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) and the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) are prominent institutions offering expertise in maritime arbitration. Additionally, the new UAE maritime law aligns with international conventions, such as the 1999 Arrest of Ships Convention, broadening the scope for maritime claims and vessel arrests.
What changes have been introduced by the new UAE Maritime Law of 2023?
The UAE’s new Maritime Law, effective from March 2024, introduces significant changes, including expanded eligibility for vessel registration, updated procedures for precautionary vessel arrest, and the recognition of Letters of Undertaking (LOUs) as security for the release of arrested vessels. These changes are designed to align UAE maritime regulations with international standards, improve the legal framework for maritime operations, and enhance the UAE’s status as a regional shipping hub.
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