Maritime Law

Maritime advice for shipping and commercial disputes

ZL Attorneys assists with maritime contracts, vessel finance, insurance and disputes connected to Curaçao and the Dutch Caribbean. A shipping matter can involve the vessel's flag, the port where it is located, the parties' contracts and several legal systems. Identifying those connections early helps establish the appropriate scope of assistance.

Matters we handle

Our maritime practice includes litigation and arbitration, ship finance and mortgages, liens and vessel arrests, insurance claims, salvage and towing, ship purchase and repair contracts, and environmental or pollution issues. Commercial transactions and insolvency may also require corporate, banking or bankruptcy advice.

The steps available depend on the claim and jurisdiction. The fact that a vessel calls at a port does not by itself answer whether a particular claim can be enforced there.

An urgent claim involving a vessel

If a vessel may depart or a deadline is approaching, explain that immediately. Useful initial information includes the vessel name and IMO number, flag, current location, expected movements, claimant and counterparty, amount claimed and the reason for the claim.

Prepare the contract, charterparty or bill of lading where relevant, invoices, notices, correspondence and evidence of the event. For an arrest or security question, the claim, ownership information and proposed jurisdiction require assessment before any application is considered. We cannot promise that a vessel will be arrested or that a claim will be recovered.

Registration and regulatory questions

The Maritime Authority of Curaçao publishes information about the ship register and its flag-state, port-state and coastal-state functions. Registration and safety or operational requirements are distinct from a private contractual dispute. Tell us whether you need advice about ownership or finance, compliance, an incident or a claim against another party.

For disputes proceeding in Curaçao, consult the Joint Court's official procedural resources alongside advice on the route appropriate to the matter. Do not assume that rules applicable to another island or flag apply unchanged.

Insurance, damage and evidence

For cargo damage, a casualty, repair dispute or insurance issue, preserve dated photographs, reports, invoices and communications. Identify any surveyor, insurer, broker or port authority already involved. Policy notice requirements and contractual time limits should be checked promptly.

A coverage dispute and the underlying liability claim may require different analysis. See our insurance law practice for policy and claims assistance.

Transactions and vessel finance

A purchase or financing review should identify the vessel and ownership, transaction documents, existing security, payment arrangements and delivery conditions. If assets, lenders or contracting parties are abroad, explain that at the outset so the need for other local advisers can be considered.

Questions clients ask

Can you assess a matter before a vessel arrives in Curaçao?

An early discussion can identify the documents and local assistance that may be required. Provide the expected arrival and departure details, together with the claim and parties. Availability of a remedy must be assessed on the facts.

Does every unpaid maritime invoice create a maritime lien?

Do not assume so. The nature of the claim, governing law and vessel-related facts need review. Bring the agreement and invoices rather than relying only on the description of the debt.

What should I include in my first message?

Give a brief account of the issue, the vessel identifier, location, countries involved and urgent dates. Keep confidential shipping or financial documents for an agreed exchange after initial contact. Contact ZL Attorneys to discuss the scope of assistance.