Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados enjoys a well-established reputation in the maritime sector, with its expertise regularly sought by a diverse client base that includes shipowners, charterers, carriers, P&I clubs, maritime agents, shipyards, shippers, and consignees. The practice is jointly led by Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso, Godofredo Vianna, and Iwam Jaeger. Cardoso is highly regarded for her work in shipping arbitration and litigation, advising a wide range of clients including shipyards, shipowners, charterers, insurers, P&I clubs, and transport agents. Vianna brings deep expertise in litigation and arbitration related to shipping and international trade, particularly those involving the energy industry. Jaeger is a key contact for contentious matters involving insurance underwriters, assureds, and foreign insurers. Rounding out the team is Lucas Leite Marques, who plays a vital supporting role and is recognised for his expertise in litigation and arbitration at the intersection of maritime, insurance, and international law.

The shipping and transport team at Castro Barros Advogados is widely recognised for its strong capabilities in litigation. The practice is jointly led by Olympio Carvalho and Camilla Werneck, both of whom bring complementary strengths to the group. Carvalho has broad expertise across shipbuilding, cargo claims, marine casualties, ship arrest, charterparty disputes, and marine insurance, making him a key player in both contentious and transactional matters. Werneck, meanwhile, focuses on the contentious aspects of the practice, with deep experience in complex shipping disputes and advising foreign shipowners on market entry and regulatory setup in Brazil. Ana Luiza Rizzo Cardoso adds valuable expertise in oil and gas-related shipping matters. In April 2025, the practice expanded its bench with the arrival of Erika Feitosa Chaves, who joined from Vieira Rezende.

Noted for being ‘well-versed in ship finance matters’, Cescon Barrieu is frequently involved in high-end financing transactions in the maritime sector. The group has significant experience in deals involving shipbuilding, chartering, and drilling, making it a key point of reference for offshore drilling contractors in transactions with shipyards and oil companies. Leading the practice is Rafael Baleroni, who assists with large-scale financings and the structuring of offshore assets.

Garbois + Melo Advogados is highly regarded for its maritime expertise, attracting a diverse client base that includes shipowners, offshore service providers, port terminals, international traders, insurers, and oil and gas companies. The practice is co-led by Breno Garbois and Flavia Melo, both of whom bring distinct strengths to the team. Garbois is widely recognised for his work advising shipowners and offshore service providers on charterparty disputes, while Melo has built a strong track record handling complex matters arising from marine incidents and casualties. The team’s capabilities were further enhanced by the arrival of César Chrisóstomo, who joined in July 2024 from Escritório Jurídico Carbone. He is noted for his experience in high-stakes cases involving collisions, groundings, shipwrecks, explosions, and fires.

Mattos Filho maintains a strong reputation in the dry shipping space, with its shipping and ports practice frequently engaged in transactional mandates for major domestic companies. The team’s comprehensive offering also covers the shipbuilding of superyachts for individual clients, as well as chartering, vessel registration, and emergency response services. A key figure in the practice, Nilton Mattos brings deep expertise in port operations, commercial contracts, and offshore services, particularly in the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors. He is supported by Duane Sarlo, who is highly experienced in handling administrative and judicial litigation involving major maritime incidents.

RC Law - Rabb Carvalho Advocacia is a trusted adviser to a diverse client base that includes port operators, shipowner associations, P&I clubs, shipping agents, and major exporters. The firm is particularly recognised for its strong track record in disputes arising from ship collisions, as well as its deep knowledge of charter agreements and international trade contracts. Leading the practice is Larry Carvalho, a key contact for litigation matters involving P&I clubs, shipowners, charterers, and cargo interests. Key support is offered Mariana Félix, who plays an active role in handling shipping disputes that involve employment and personal injury issues. Jeová Costa Lima Neto is frequently involved in high-stakes cases concerning shipping accidents and maritime emergencies.

The maritime team at Vieira Rezende offers broad expertise across the full spectrum of shipping-related matters, including charter and transportation agreements, cargo trading, logistics, insurance, and regulatory compliance. The group is also well-versed in maritime incident management and dispute resolution, and frequently engages with maritime authorities, regulatory and environmental agencies, and classification societies. Leading the practice is Bernardo Mendes Vianna, who is particularly noted for his deep experience in wet shipping matters, especially those involving casualties and the oil and gas industry.

The shipping team at Costa, Albino & Rocha Sociedade de Advogados (CAR) is frequently instructed by P&I clubs, marine underwriters, shipyards, shipowners, and charterers to manage a wide range of contentious matters, including fires, shipwrecks, and collisions. Leading the practice are Bernardo de Senna and Julio Costa. Senna is particularly distinguished for his expertise in both wet and dry shipping claims, with a strong focus on marine insurance matters, while Costa brings specialised knowledge of regulatory issues, concentrating on the nexus of insurance, aerospace, and shipping law.

The shipping group at Pinheiro Neto Advogados leverages its extensive expertise across corporate, regulatory, and litigation matters to address complex shipping issues, particularly those related to the oil and gas sector. The team is regularly engaged to handle shipping contracts, shipbuilding agreements, and vessel purchase and sale transactions. Leading the practice is Luis Cláudio Furtado Faria, who is highly regarded for his litigation expertise, while Mariana Rodrigues da Costa plays a key role in handling administrative, judicial, and regulatory shipping disputes.

Standing out for its expertise in maritime disputes, Salomão Advogados is a preferred choice for major liners operating in Brazil as well as companies in the offshore maritime support sector. The practice is jointly led by Livia Sancio, whose expertise in dispute resolution is complemented by her deep knowledge of contractual analysis; Rodrigo Cotta, who brings extensive experience across dispute resolution, arbitration, and advisory work; and Luis Felipe Salomão Filho, a specialist in shipyard construction. Additionally, Pedro Neiva de Santana Neto, who joined the firm in March 2024, contributes expert knowledge in the oil and gas sector.

Praised for its particular ability to understand the needs of P&I Clubs, Shipping Consultoria also advises charterers, marine insurers, international traders, and shipyards on a wide range of wet and dry shipping matters. The practice is led by Fernando Porto, who is a trusted adviser on contractual issues, particularly those involving charterparty, construction, and insurance contracts. Supporting the team, Fernando Porto Filho is a key figure specialising in shipping disputes.

Tauil & Chequer Advogados' shipping practice handles regulatory, contractual, and financing matters related to drilling units, offshore support vessels, subsea construction projects, and gas-to-power initiatives, as well as issues involving the exportation of crude oil. The practice is led by Juliana Senna, who is particularly well-regarded for her extensive experience in dry shipping matters.