SC&A Legal advises ship owners, charterers, cargo interests, ship managers, freight operators, port businesses, logistics companies, insurers, lenders, investors and other participants in the maritime sector on Indian and cross border shipping matters. As a Maritime and Shipping Law Firm and Lawyers in India, our work covers vessel related transactions, charterparties, bills of lading, cargo claims, maritime disputes, ship finance, marine insurance, port matters, regulatory compliance, vessel detention, salvage and shipping related arbitration and litigation.
India’s maritime legal framework has undergone significant changes. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 came into force on 15 March 2026 and addresses matters including vessel registration, maritime administration, seafarers, safety and security, marine pollution, maritime liability, marine casualties, wreck and salvage. Legal advice for shipping businesses therefore requires consideration of the current statutory framework alongside contracts, international conventions and the commercial circumstances of each transaction or dispute.
Shipping transactions often involve detailed contractual arrangements between owners, charterers, cargo interests, ship managers and other participants. Our lawyers advise on charterparties, ship management agreements, bills of lading, contracts of carriage, agency arrangements, freight contracts and other shipping documents. The review focuses on allocation of risk, payment obligations, liability, insurance, performance requirements, termination rights and dispute resolution provisions.
Bills of lading can create important rights and obligations between carriers, shippers, consignees and other parties involved in the carriage of goods. Our maritime lawyers assist with contractual review, cargo claims, delivery disputes, loss or damage to goods, delay claims and issues concerning liability under applicable Indian law. India’s current statutory framework includes the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 2025, which addresses the responsibilities, liabilities, rights and immunities connected with carriage of goods by sea.
Shipping disputes can involve parties located in different countries and may be governed by contractual terms selecting a particular jurisdiction, court or arbitral process. We assist with maritime disputes involving charterparties, cargo, freight, vessel operations, ship management, insurance, port services and other commercial arrangements. Where an arbitration clause applies, our shipping lawyers can advise on the arbitration process, contractual rights, evidence and enforcement considerations.
Maritime claims can involve vessels, cargo, freight, ownership interests, mortgages, maritime liens, collisions, salvage and other interests connected with shipping operations. Our legal services cover the assessment and handling of maritime claims, including proceedings involving vessel detention and other remedies available under Indian maritime law. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 contains provisions concerning maritime liability, limitation of liability, detention of vessels, marine casualties, wreck and salvage.
A vessel may face detention in connection with a maritime claim or regulatory issue. Our lawyers assist with legal assessment, documentation, court proceedings and related negotiations concerning vessel detention and release. The applicable strategy depends on the nature of the claim, the vessel’s status, the contractual documents and the jurisdiction involved.
We advise on legal matters connected with vessel registration and ownership structures under Indian law. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 contains detailed provisions concerning registration of Indian vessels, registration of certain foreign chartered vessels and related registration procedures. The legal review may also consider ownership arrangements, financing documents, security interests and contractual restrictions affecting the vessel.
Shipping transactions often involve substantial financing and security arrangements. Our lawyers advise lenders, borrowers, ship owners and investors on documentation connected with vessel acquisition, refinancing, security creation and enforcement. The work may involve coordination between financing documents, vessel registration requirements, mortgages, insurance arrangements and contractual rights. Maritime businesses may also require advice when acquiring or disposing of vessels. Legal due diligence can include review of ownership, registration, financing, material contracts, disputes, regulatory records and other vessel related documents.
Marine insurance disputes can arise from cargo loss, vessel damage, accidents, pollution incidents and other maritime risks. We assist insurers, ship owners, cargo interests and other parties with contractual interpretation, claim assessment and dispute resolution. The legal analysis can involve policy wording, contractual obligations, causation, evidence and the applicable dispute resolution mechanism. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 also contains provisions concerning maintenance of insurance or other financial security for specified maritime liabilities.
Port operators, shipping companies, cargo interests and logistics businesses may require legal assistance concerning port services, contracts, regulatory obligations and commercial disputes. India’s regulatory framework also includes the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, which addresses regulation of coastal shipping, coasting trade and related licensing requirements. Our lawyers assist businesses in reviewing contracts and legal issues connected with coastal shipping and port operations.
Shipping businesses operate within a regulatory environment involving vessel safety, security, environmental obligations, seafarer matters, certification and maritime administration. The Directorate General of Shipping administers shipping policy and legislation in India and deals with areas including safety of life and ships at sea, marine pollution, maritime education, seafarer welfare and certification. Our legal advice can cover regulatory questions arising from shipping operations, including review of applicable statutory requirements and contractual responsibilities. The regulatory review may involve the Merchant Shipping Act, applicable rules, notifications and requirements administered by the Directorate General of Shipping.
Shipping businesses may require legal support concerning employment arrangements, crew contracts, seafarer welfare and related maritime labour issues. The Directorate General of Shipping publishes specific Merchant Shipping Rules covering maritime labour, recruitment and placement of seafarers, certification and other areas. Our lawyers can assist employers and shipping businesses with contractual and legal issues arising from seafarer arrangements.
Collisions, accidents and marine casualties can create complex legal and commercial consequences. We advise parties concerning claims arising from vessel collisions, cargo damage, loss, salvage and related liabilities. The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 contains dedicated provisions concerning collision, accidents at sea, limitation of liability, marine incidents, casualty investigations, wreck and salvage.
Shipping disputes frequently involve contractual relationships extending across multiple jurisdictions. Our lawyers represent and advise clients in maritime arbitration and litigation concerning charterparties, cargo claims, vessel operations, ship management, insurance and other commercial shipping matters.
The legal work may include pre dispute advice, contractual analysis, preparation of claims or defences, interim relief, arbitration proceedings, court proceedings and enforcement related issues. Where proceedings involve international parties, the analysis may also require consideration of jurisdiction, governing law, service requirements and enforcement of foreign judgments or arbitral awards.
SC&A Legal advises a broad range of participants in the maritime and shipping sector. This includes ship owners, charterers, ship managers, vessel operators, cargo owners, exporters, importers, freight forwarders, logistics companies, port operators, terminal operators, shipyards, maritime service providers, insurers, brokers, financial institutions, investors and trading businesses.
The firm also advises businesses involved in coastal shipping, offshore activities, maritime infrastructure, vessel acquisition, ship finance and international trade. Individuals and professionals involved in maritime businesses may also require legal assistance concerning contractual, regulatory or dispute related matters.
Our approach begins with understanding the commercial relationship behind the maritime matter. A shipping contract is rarely considered in isolation. A charterparty may connect with a bill of lading, insurance arrangement, vessel management agreement, financing document or port contract. Our legal review therefore considers the relevant contractual and regulatory framework together. For disputes, we assess the underlying documents, contractual obligations, jurisdiction, dispute resolution clause, available evidence and commercial objectives before determining the appropriate legal route.
For transactions, the review focuses on ownership, risk allocation, regulatory requirements, financing arrangements, insurance and material contractual obligations. For regulatory matters, we consider the relevant Indian maritime legislation, applicable rules and requirements of the competent authorities. The current regulatory position is particularly important following the commencement of the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and other new maritime legislation. The Directorate General of Shipping continues to publish rules, notifications and regulatory material relevant to Indian shipping.
SC&A Legal approaches maritime matters from both a legal and commercial perspective. Shipping transactions and disputes can involve contracts, vessels, cargo, finance, insurance, ports and regulatory requirements within the same matter. The firm’s legal practice covers transactional advice, regulatory matters, maritime disputes, arbitration and litigation, allowing related legal issues to be considered within a connected framework.
The practice serves clients and businesses connected with Delhi and Kolkata, while advising on maritime matters involving Indian and international commercial relationships. The scope of legal assistance is determined by the nature of the vessel, transaction, contractual arrangements, dispute and applicable Indian or international legal framework.