Marine

The marine industry is integral to the South West’s heritage and identity. It contributes around £500 million to the region’s GDP and accounts for one in seven UK marine jobs. No wonder people are passionate about it. 

Sector-specific challenges call for specialist legal expertise

When challenges or opportunities arise in the marine industry, few law firms have the insight and experience to deal effectively with them, or have the head start that we do.

Experienced in marine matters

Our long history in the South West, and our wide-ranging experience and shared love of the sea, mean we understand the marine industry and the environment it operates in intimately. Our specialist Marine team of straight-talking lawyers can support you through every challenge and make the most of every opportunity.

We deal with the full range of marine-related legal matters, including:

• Marine Management Organisation and Environment Agency consents for coastal projects
• state aid and procurement advice for marine funding
• vessel purchase and charterparty agreements
• mooring arrangements and disputes
• marine energy
• acquiring ferry routes
• actions against employees who have breached marine regulatory requirements or health and safety rules
• collisions and other maritime disputes
• quayside and marina developments
• obtaining and enforcing ship mortgages
• enforcing maritime liens
• port and harbour regulatory issues
• intellectual property issues for newly developed marine technology or equipment
• sales, purchases or leases of land and buildings
• general business advice on employment law, construction, buying and selling businesses, dispute resolution, debt recovery, planning permissions and shareholder agreements, leasing, and property transactions.

Proudly supporting the marine industry

We’re proud to work with many of the most prominent names in the marine sector in the South West, advising them on a wide range of legal and business issues.

Our client list includes:

• Pendennis Shipyard
• Cornwall Ferries Ltd
• King Harry Steam Ferry Company Ltd
• Keynvor Morlift
• Falmouth Harbour Commissioners
• Newlyn Harbour Commissioners
• Fowey Harbour Commissioners
• Mylor Yacht Harbour
• Port Pendennis Marina
• Reflex Marine
• Turn to Starboard
• Huggins Bros Marina Group
• Feritech

Our Marine team’s experience includes:

• advising Pendennis Shipyard on the development and financing of a major expansion
• helping Keynvor Morlift with a Marine Management Organisation licence exemption, to proceed with an urgent wreck removal
• help setting up Turn to Starboard as a registered charity, and guiding the purchase of a 91ft gaff schooner to provide sailing courses for armed forces personnel affected by military operations.