The maritime industry has been a key driver in the development of Norwegian business, and Norway is today one of the world’s largest shipping nations measured by value. Our advice is closely anchored in developments in maritime law and in the industry’s international framework conditions. With an extensive network in the sector, both in Norway and internationally, we ensure that clients receive the best local assistance, wherever in the world their business operates.
Cross-disciplinary collaboration
Shipping and offshore projects often raise issues across several legal disciplines. Our services are therefore organised in cross-disciplinary teams, tailored to the individual matter and the client’s needs.
Our shipping and offshore lawyers work closely with specialists in areas such as shipping taxation including tonnage tax, marine insurance and dispute resolution. In the event of casualties and maritime accidents, we also provide swift and operational assistance, drawing on experience from handling urgent situations and coordinating with authorities and other involved parties.
Recognised in Norwegian and international rankings
Thommessen is regularly ranked among the leading law firms within shipping and offshore by recognised international rankings such as Chambers & Partners and Legal 500, as well as Norwegian rankings such as Prospera and Kapital’s annual lawyer survey. Several of our lawyers are also individually recognised for their expertise in maritime law, marine insurance and offshore-related matters.
Our services
We assist many of the largest Norwegian and international players in the market with all matters arising from shipbuilding to recycling. Throughout a vessel’s lifecycle, we assist with, among other things, contract negotiations, sale and purchase, financing and refinancing, as well as the handling of casualties and disputes of varying size and complexity.
With in-depth knowledge of the shipping and offshore industry, we also provide support in strategic and commercial assessments where the legal framework, market conditions and operational risk must be considered together.
Our services include, among other things:
- Shipbuilding and yard projects: Negotiation and follow-up of shipbuilding, conversion and repair projects, including shipbuilding contracts, repair contracts and guarantees.
- Purchase, sale and financing of vessels: Purchase and sale of vessels (MOA, due diligence, delivery/closing), including sale and leaseback, leasing and ownership structures, as well as ship and corporate financing and refinancing.
- Shipping company structures and corporate matters: Structuring and restructuring of shipping companies, including joint ventures, mergers/demergers, corporate governance and corporate transactions, including capital raisings and IPOs.
- Day-to-day operations and maritime law: Legal assistance in connection with day-to-day operations, including bills of lading, charterparties (voyage/time/bareboat/slot), pool agreements, management agreements (SHIPMAN/CREWMAN), supplier and bunker agreements, cargo damage and cargo liability, as well as claims handling (P&I/FD&D) and the handling of war and piracy risks.
- Offshore contracts: Contracts such as SUPPLYTIME, HEAVYCON/HEAVYLIFT, TOWCON/TOWHIRE and LOGIC for FPSO/FSO, rigs, subsea, installation and decommissioning.
- Sustainability and maritime climate regulation: EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, IMO CII, EU MRV/IMO DCS, IMO Net-Zero and other regulations for the decarbonisation of the shipping and offshore industry, including contractual handling and follow-up with authorities.
- Marine insurance: Issues relating to H&M, P&I, FD&D, charterers’ liability and war risks, including coverage issues and recourse.
- Casualties, salvage and general average: Assistance in relation to maritime casualties, salvage operations (LOF/SCOPIC, etc.) and wreck removal, including provision of security, follow-up with authorities, environmental pollution and clean-up following maritime accidents, as well as general average and the establishment of limitation funds.
- Crisis preparedness and compliance: Advice on national security and compliance, including sanctions, export control, anti-money laundering, anti-corruption, financial regulatory matters and other public law issues.
- Tax and VAT: Tax and VAT issues, including shipping taxation.
- Ship recycling: Recycling and scrapping in accordance with the Hong Kong Convention and the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, as well as rules on the export of waste (the EU Waste Shipment Regulation and the Basel Convention).
- Dispute resolution and litigation: Dispute resolution, including arbitration (LMAA, NOMA), mediation and settlement negotiations, as well as court proceedings, including arrest and provision of security.
