Bracewell & Giuliani’s attorneys have a diverse range of experience with domestic and international maritime matters, including financial transactions, restructurings, mergers, acquisitions and investments. In addition to commercial matters, our attorneys have specific experience in offshore oil exploration, drilling and production facilities and barge operations in all maritime areas, including bluewater, gulfs and rivers.  We represent clients in litigation, enforcement and regulatory actions related to U.S. Coast Guard hearings, contracts, maritime and offshore labor and employment matters, Jones Act disputes, personal injury claims, property damages, mortgages and financing, licensing, siting, environmental concerns, tariffs, rates, and sales contracts.

Commercial Transactions

Our attorneys have advised shipping companies and investors on acquisitions and dispositions of shipping assets and companies, both public and private; vessel financings; public equity and high yield debt offerings by shipping companies and the formation of investment vehicles to invest in shipping assets.

Maritime Contracts

We have extensive experience in negotiating and drafting a wide-variety of maritime contracts, including charter parties, contracts of affreightment, towing contracts, intermodal transportation agreements, shipyard construction contracts, vessel sale agreements and naval architect contracts.

Maritime Finance

Bracewell attorneys are routinely called on to advise both lenders and shipping companies on a broad spectrum of maritime finance issues. In addition to expertise in loan documentation, we also have experience in issues relating to vessel mortgages, foreclosures and vessel arrests. Our partners have also handled billions of dollars in financing transactions for maritime clients, including some of the largest Title XI financing transactions ever completed.

Maritime Restructuring

In addition to advising private equity and hedge fund investors seeking investment opportunities in the maritime industry, Bracewell also represents international shipping companies in U.S. Chapter 11 proceedings and other nonpublic engagements involving shipper-lender forbearance negotiations and restructuring advice.

Personal Injury, Death and Property Litigation

Our firm has particular experience advising energy-industry clients in enforcement actions arising from alleged violations of maritime law, and in disputes and claims initiated under this unique form of litigation. This includes defending clients against claims involving personal injury and wrongful death; collisions, groundings, sinkings and other accidents; cargo damage; damage allegedly the result of operational errors; and vessel charter disputes.  We also represent clients in maritime insurance coverage litigation.

Regulatory

In addition to representing clients in U.S. Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission proceedings, we have also counseled clients on regulatory matters relating to vessel flagging, crewing requirements, Jones Act compliance advice and vessel classification issues.