Next Generation Partners

Leading Associates

Transport: Shipping in Spain

Garrigues

The transport practice at Garrigues is well versed in both wet and dry shipping matters, including collisions, environmental liability claims, ship financing, licensing and contractual matters. Jesus Barbadillo, who alongside his experience advising shipping companies in regulatory issues also often acts as an arbitrator, leads the team from Madrid. Other key team members include Manuel Betancor, based in the Canary Islands, as well as María Cózar, who is the main port of call for issues relating to administrative concessions in the public port domain and port licences. Javier del Corte left the practice in September 2022 to become a judge.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jesús Barbadillo


Autres avocats clés:

Manuel Betancor; María Cózar


Les références

‘The Garrigues team in the transport area works very professionally. They are great professionals with a deep knowledge of transport and logistics matters. They are also very accessible.’

‘The performance of partner Jesús Barbadillo has been outstanding. He is very on top of the issues and is very approachable. He has a deep knowledge of the maritime sector both from a legal and business point of view. Accessibility and knowledge of the issues are his best qualities. He works on matters in depth.’

‘The lawyer we have been dealing with at Garrigues law firm for many years is Jesús Barbadillo. He has great knowledge and experience in the maritime sector, and offers us a quick and accurate response to all our requirements.’

Principaux clients

Naviera de Galicia, S.A.


Formentera Cargo, S.L.


Afortunadas Shipping Limited


Caflaja, S.L.


Mediterránea Pitiusa


Enel/Endesa


Mapfre


Naviera Armas S.A./Trasmediterránea


The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection


Sercomisa/Trasmapi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Afortunadas on the resolution of a dispute concerning a ship construction contract signed with the shipyard Hijos de J Barreras S.A.
  • Advised the Spanish shipping company Navigasa to definitively flag 5 merchant ships of its property registered in the Special Register of the Canary Islands (REC) of Spain in the International Register of Madeira (MAR) of Portugal.
  • Advised the owners (The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, Ltd.) of the luxury cruise ship Evrima against the claim for a maritime credit of approximately €2.7m for services allegedly provided by Team Electric (subcontractor of the shipyard) for the electrical installation of the aforementioned vessel.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s ‘exceptional‘ shipping team is particularly recommended for its experience in ship finance, and in the shipbuilding and repair markets. Attracting instructions from a varied client base, featuring major insurers, shipowners, financial entities, underwriters and P&I clubs, the group os well positioned to handle booth dry and wet matters. The group is jointly led by four practioners: Juan Alegre, a dual qualified lawyer (Spain, England and Wales) active in contentious and non-contentious shipping and international trade work; Bernardo Ruiz Lima, a key contact for insurance claims in this space; Gonzalo Alvar, who advises on shipbuilding contracts; and Victor Mata, who focuses on contractual disputes and salvage proceedings. The ‘cordial‘ and ‘attentiveJavier Herreros is also recommended for his advice to shipowners and shipyards on issues such as ship finance, shipbuilding, and ship repairs.

Responsables de la pratique:

Juan Alegre; Bernardo Ruiz Lima; Gonzalo Alvar; Victor Mata


Autres avocats clés:

Javier Herreros


Les références

‘It is an exceptional team both in its technical training, agile response and market knowledge.’

‘It is a very prepared team that also allows direct interaction with the logistics team in situations where such interaction is required for the sake of agility in resolving a situation.’

‘Victor Mata is an exceptional lawyer; he knows the sector, has extensive experience in both transport and maritime law, and a practical approach that makes him stand out from his competition when advising on strategic issues.’

Principaux clients

Boluda


Grupo Ortiz


SASEMAR


The Standard P&I Club


Maersk


Liberty Lines


Astilleros de Murueta


MSC


Pantaenius


Royal Sun Alliance (RSA)


Navigators and General – Zurich Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented The Standard Club and its Member Mediterranean Shipping Company in relation to the collision of M/V MSC MIA with a number of cranes at a terminal in Valencia.
  • Represented the owners of M/Y Paradise in proceedings related to the collision with M/Y Saint Nicolas at Port Adriano, Mallorca.
  • Advised Italian shipowner Liberty Lines on the implementation of Spanish tax lease financing structures related to the construction of 9 ferry vessels by a Spanish Shipyard.

Uría Menéndez

The shipping and transport department at Uría Menéndez is lauded for its ‘excellent industry knowledge‘, ‘in-depth advice‘, and tendency to go the ‘extra mile‘ when assisting clients. Typical mandates for the group include advising on both dry and wet shipping matters, including shipbuilding and financing contracts, M&A, insurance claims and collisions, among others. Practice head Carlos López-Quiroga focuses on transport and maritime law, showcasing particular experience in M&A and restructuring matters. Luz Martínez De Azcoitia is the name to contact for banking and finance mandates in the transport sector. Other notable individuals include Diego Pérez, a key contact for domestic and foreign shipowners and port terminals seeking advice on vessel construction, repair and acquisition contracts, and Laura Peláez, who is recommended for administrative proceedings before port authorities.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos López-Quiroga


Autres avocats clés:

Luz Martínez de Azcoitia; Diego Pérez; Laura Peláez


Les références

‘Highly responsive and experienced team – from partner to associate, every team member adds value to a deal.’

‘Good combination of technical knowledge, political acumen and relevant experience in litigation, negotiation and permitting.’

‘The best qualities of Carlos López Quiroga are his extensive knowledge of the sector, experience, and his search for solutions and alternatives.’

Principaux clients

CaixaBank, S.A.


Alúmina España, S.A.


Knutsen OAS Shipping


Cosco Shipping Port (Spain) Terminals


Asociación Nacional de Empresas Estibadoras y Centros de Empleo (ANESCO)


Virgin Money UK, Plc.


CMA Terminals SAS


ING Bank (London branch)


MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, S.A.


China Construction Bank Europe


Aquaship AS


Société Générale


Astilleros de Santander (ASTANDER)


Astilleros Canarios, S.A. (ASTICAN)


Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)


Valaris


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Spanish National Association of Stevedoring Companies and Employment Centres (ANESCO) on the legal measures to combat increasing energy prices and the pleadings against the bill of the Autonomous Region of Catalonia imposing a new tax levied against emissions of ships in that region’s ports.
  • Advised China Construction Bank Europe on the financing granted to CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, S.L.
  • Advised Astilleros Canarios, S.A. (ASTICAN) on the process for obtaining an extension of its port concession for an additional 25 years.

Mestre Abogados

Boutique Mestre Abogados‘ ability to ‘convey information in an understandable and easy manner‘ is noted by sources, who also commend the practice for its ‘comprehensive understanding‘ of clients' needs and level of ‘responsiveness‘. The firm handles a mix of dry and wet shipping matters, showcasing significant strength in the resolution of disputes involving maritime casualties, financing and commercial contracts, repairers' liability and insurance claims; non-contentious matters also feature on the firm's diverse workload. ‘Outstanding lawyerAnna Mestre jointly heads up the team alongside litigation specialist Alejandra Torres, yachting department head Pol Mediña, and French contracts specialist Marina Bassols.

Responsables de la pratique:

Anna Mestre; Alejandra Torres; Pol Mediña; Marina Bassols


Les références

‘Anna Mestre approaches her work with utmost seriousness and provides legal services as comprehensively and holistically as possible.’

‘Anna Mestre is an outstanding lawyer in the field of shipping in Spain.’

‘The service and responsiveness are excellent.’

Principaux clients

Noatum


ESS GROUP- Gotteborg


Generali Corporate (H&M, Project Cargo, Major Marine casualties).


Sky Ocean Yacht Refit & Repair


SECTORAL INVESTMENT HOLDING LTD


YST Yachting Service Team


HUA HU Shipping Liberia


Kalypso Compagnia di Navigazione Spa


Genova for Yachting/Mordiglia


Stellantis N.V. (EX PSA-Peugeot Group)


Ukralfa Trade FZ-LLC (Ukraine)


Allianz France


HFW Paris / HFW Shanghai


Steamship Mutual P&I


DHL Exel Supply Chain Spain, S.L.U


AZTEK-Antwerpen


RUDDER MARITIME SERV.


SEKOUK-BANSARD GROUP FRANCE


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised sellers Ukralfa Trade FZ-LLC (Ukraine) on a claim for unpaid goods on board the vessel M/V Kerem, cargo/goods 6.900 TM Ukrainian corn.
  • Advised SteamshipMutual P&I and members charterers of the M/T DIGNITY on a contamination claim in Barcelona.
  • Acted for Hua Ru Shipping (Liberia) C/O Shanghai Salvage Company in a Towcon Arbitration involving the sinking of a pontoon, various ship arrests in Spain and multiple claim for damages.

PEREZ ALBORS | & CO

Jointly led by co-founders Carlos Perez in Madrid and Maria Albors in Sotogrande, PEREZ ALBORS | & CO‘s shipping department is skilled at providing legal support to insurers, P&I clubs, and shipowners, many of whom praise the team for its ‘high level of professionalism‘ and ‘solution-oriented‘ approach. Covering insurance, dispute resolution and international trade, the practice is particularly active in mandates concerning bill of lading disputes, cargo claims, environmental liability and collisions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Perez; Maria Albors


Les références

‘The team has always been helpful, cooperative and expeditious when dealing with my requests.’

‘Carlos Perez has always shown 100% commitment to our requirements operating as our business does on a 24/7, 365 day basis. His advice and support has always been excellent and we see him as a business partner assisting building the company in Spain and beyond.’

‘A big team covering various areas of law with a high level of professionalism.’

Principaux clients

GENERALI


DAMCO


Maersk Line


The Standard P&I Club


The North of England P&I Club


W K Webster & Co


The American P&I Club


World Fuel Services


ITIC Ltd


Elias Marine Ltd


X-Press Container Line


EVOS


Guadalquivir Shipyard


Alfaship Group


Servyman de Estrecho


Bunker Holding A/S


Steel Invest Group


TTClub


Partida Logistics


EMPSE Group


Atarfil Europe


Cameto


Shourai Marine


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MITSUI SUMIMOTO on claiming damages to the vessel “WHITE HORSE” due to the collision caused by the barge “AVELINA” in the Bay of Gibraltar.
  • Advised GENERALI on defending a €5m claim following the damage caused by the vessel “AVANCE” when colliding against the REPSOL refinery terminal at Tarragona in Northeast Spain.
  • Advised GENERALI on a €3m claim for alleged defective product liability in France.

Rogers & Co. Abogados

A popular destination for shipping clients seeking assistance with marine insurance, operator liability, cargo claims and vessel auctions, Rogers & Co. Abogados is well positioned to advise on an array of contentious matters in this space. Luis Alberto Garcia, who is especially proficient in personal injury claims relating to ports and vessels, leads the practice alongside David Diez Ramos, who regularly works with marine and non-marine insurers in a variety of related claims. Marie Rogers, described as a ‘standout performer‘, is a key contact within the team.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luis Alberto Garcia; David Diez Ramos


Autres avocats clés:

Marie Rogers


Les références

‘The knowledge of the people working at this firm is very high. Not only legal, but also of the business.’

‘Marie Rogers has been fantastic in guiding us through the mechanics of the Spanish legal process and ensuring that our client’s recovery prospects were protected throughout.’

‘Top quality knowledge of the industry and nuances of Spanish Law, how it differs from the UK and other countries where necessary. Great service and exceptional value for money. ’

Principaux clients

Charles Taylor Adjusting


Shipowners PandI Luxembourg (UK)


ALTRI SGPS, Portugal


Charterama Pandi, The Netherlands


RSA Luxembourg SA Sucursal en España


DSV Insurance A/S, Denmark


AON, The Netherlands


AXA XL, Spain


MS AMLIN MARINE NV (The Netherlands)


AIG EUROPE SA


SAN SIMON & DUCH

Boutique firm SAN SIMON & DUCH‘s shipping and transport team is recurrently sought out by an array of maritime clients, including shipowners and shipyards, insurers, port authorities, P&I clubs, and charterers. The group is skilled at advising on contentious matters, such as claims concerning vessel damages, recovery against shipyards, and sanctioning proceedings, but is also adept in transactional work, including the sale of vessels, and sanctioning proceedings. Founding partners Luis De San Simon and Mercedes Duch jointly oversee the group alongside Diego de San Simón in Madrid, and directors Carlos Cerda, who is based in Valencia, and Ignacio Rodríguez, a key contact in the Algeciras office.

Responsables de la pratique:

Luis de San Simón; Mercedes Duch; Diego de San Simón; Carlos Cerdá; Ignacio Rodríguez


Les références

‘San Simon & Duch is the number one destination for transport and shipping law in Spain and is known to lawyers all over Europe and the world. They have contacts all over the country, which is convenient if assistance is required at a particular locality.’

‘Diego de San Simon is a very dedicated and solution-oriented lawyer, whom I had the privilege to work with on a case for a mutual client. He is very responsive.’

‘They have a great and tight team where they can all help each other and you always feel in good hands.’

Principaux clients

RSA Luxembourg S.A., Spanish Branch


Hellenic Seaways Single Member Maritime, S.A


St. Enfineering marine ltd


Ducat Maritime


Hanseatic Underwriters


Navios Shipmanagement Inc


Holman, Fenwick Willan


Generali


Cedar Europe Ltd


Vilma Oil


Vitol


Navantia


The London P & I Club


The Standard P & I Club


keystone Law


Tatham & Co


Seaco Global


Fairfax Brasil Seguros Corporativos S.A.


HDI Global SE


Principaux dossiers


  • Defended Hanseatic Underwiters in a claim brought by the salvage company in connection with the sinking of 9 vessels during a heavy storm.
  • Represented Generali España S.A De Reaseguros y Reaseguros and insured/owners in a cross-border jurisdiction case as both, claimant and defendant, in different legal proceedings as a result of a heavy collision between vessels and subsequent fire while the vessel was undergoing repairs at the shipyard.
  • Advised Cedar Europe Ltd on a court claim and counter claim arising from a contractual dispute between an oil producer and an oil trader.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP

Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s asset and structured finance team - jointly led by the ‘pleasantAlfredo Cabellos and recently promoted Laura Cadenas - is singled out for its experience in ship finance matters and its niche expertise in the aquaculture sector. The team, which attracts instructions from shipowners, financial entities, charterers and P&I clubs, is also adept at advising on construction contracts and purchase and sale agreements. Jose María Pery is a name to note for asset finance, purchases, and sales in the maritime sector; his expertise also extends to shipping disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alfredo Cabellos; Laura Cadenas


Autres avocats clés:

Jose María Pery


Les références

‘They are very professional, well-informed and have a high level of service.’

‘Alfredo Cabellos is such a pleasant man to work with. He knows his field of practice very well and his advice is always to the point and highly valued by us and our clients.’

Principaux clients

UBS


Alsaker


Havila Kystruten AS


ABN AMRO


Edda Wind ASA


Caixabank


DNB


Nordic Trustee


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Fiskebas Fishing Company Limited on the implementation of a tax lease structure in Spain for the construction, acquisition, finance and exploitation of a 69.60 m. midwater trawler which is presently under construction at a shipyard in the north of Spain.
  • Advised Havila Kystruten Operations AS, as Spanish counsel, on the dispute before the English High Court in relation to the financing of 2 vessels to be built in Spain by Astilleros de J. Barreras, which were cancelled.
  • Advised the company Edda Wind, and the lenders (UBS and ABN Amro) in relation to the Spanish aspects of the financing of one offshore support vessel, under construction at Astilleros Gondán, in Spain and more particularly with the delivery of the vessel under a Spanish tax lease scheme.

Aiyon Abogados SLP

Aiyon Abogados SLP‘s shipping department is commended for its ‘adaptability and efficiency‘, with Veronica Meana, Mikel Garteiz-Goxeaskoa, Zuberoa Elorriaga, Enrique Ortiz, and Jose Dominguez jointly leading the practice. With extensive experience in dispute resolution, contract drafting, insurance and trade law, the group is adept at advising on marine casualties, pollution claims, freight cases and shipbuilding contracts, among other matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Veronica Meana; Mikel Garteiz-Goxeaskoa; Zuberoa Elorriaga; Enrique Ortiz; Jose Dominguez


Les références

‘We consider that what makes AIYON’s practice unique is the immediacy, adaptability and efficiency they provide.’

Cuatrecasas

The logistics and transport team at Cuatrecasas is particularly experienced in port law and international trade, regularly advising shipowners, domestic and international companies, and port authorities on an array of shipping mandates. Iñigo Quintana leads the team and is the key contact for international dispute resolution matters – both litigation and arbitration – in the maritime and transport sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Iñigo Quintana


Principaux clients

Sotogrande


Grandes concesionarios del Puerto de Bilbao


Martico


Hapag Lloyd


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Grandes concesionarios del Puerto de Bilbao, the concessionaires of the Port of Bilbao, with regard to the annulment of their individual cadastral values and advising on the report on cadastral values of the Port of Bilbao Real Estate with Special Characteristics (BICE Puerto de Bilbao).
  • Advised Martico on foreign investment access and establishment of a WFOE, including legal and tax analysis of different business models involving operations in bonded areas.
  • Advised Sotogrande on the strategic and litigious matters of regional regulations on the limitation of the concession term for the marina.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo

With particular strength in ship financing matters, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo acts for major Spanish banks, shipping and charter companies, as well as international financial institutions. The practice, which often collaborates with the firm's banking and finance specialists, has a strong presence in Vigo, a key location for shipbuilding clients. Asset and infrastructure financing expert Carlos Rueda and Miguel Lamo de Espinosa jointly oversee the team that also includes Fernando Herrero, who focuses on asset finance, María García De La Concha Álvarez, a reference for shipbuilders, and José Canalejas.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Rueda; Miguel Lamo de Espinosa


Autres avocats clés:

Fernando Herrero; María García De La Concha Álvarez; José Canalejas


Principaux clients

BBVA


Caixabank, SA


Export Credit Canada


Empresa Naviera Elcano


Boluda Corporación Marítima


Banco de Sabadell


SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE


ABANCA CORPORACIÓN BANCARIA


ABN AMRO


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE in connection with the design of a Spanish Tax Lease structure and the financing subject to the Royal Decree 874/2017 regarding nine vessels to be built.
  • Advised Banco Santander, as creditor, in connection with the refinancing of the credit given to Ojeda Shipping Limited (Elcano Group) for the acquisition of the Vessel “Castillo de Pambre”.
  • Advised ABN AMRO BANK on the financing and subsequent increase and amendment to VERENIGDE TANKREDERIJ HOLDING B.V. for the acquisition of BOLUDA TANKERS, S.A.

Kennedys

Kennedys’ marine department advises clients in both wet and dry shipping matters, with expertise in coverage disputes, cargo and vessel loss, maritime salvage claims, shipbuilding, and ship finance. Team head Jose Manuel González Pellicer is commended for his ‘first rate grasp of Spanish maritime law‘, while colleague Paula Petit is described as ‘a rising star in the Spanish legal environment‘. Olivia Delagrange left the team in June 2023.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jose Manuel González Pellicer


Autres avocats clés:

Paula Petit


Les références

‘A team that has the breadth and depth of knowledge to solve your legal issues. They are very quick at responding, friendly and collaborative, understand your position and work as a team.’

‘Jose Manuel González Pellicer has a razor sharp legal mind and gets to the root of your problem straight away. He knows how to handle all situations and explains matters in plain language when you do not understand the technical aspects of Spanish law.’

‘Paula Petit is a rising star in the Spanish legal environment and works extremely hard on every case.’

Principaux clients

GRUPO SUARDIAZ


Zurich


Tokio Marine Kiln


RSA


AXIS


AVIVA


BEAZLEY


DDR VESSELS XXI


The Britannia Steamship P&I Club


CONVEX


AXA XL


SHIPOWNERS p& I CLUB


MA Abogados

The practice at MA Abogados is commended for its ‘great technical knowledge‘ and ‘immediacy of responses‘, with practice head Carlos Salinas Adelantado complimented for his ‘deep knowledge of the world of insurance and maritime law‘. Founder Sara Recatalá Chordá co-heads the team, which typically acts for clients in arbitrations, offshore contracts, cargo and insurance claims, shipbuilding contracts, and ship arrests.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carlos Salinas Adelantado; Sara Recatalá Chordá


Les références

They are experts in the field. Their knowledge and experience which increases their probability of success. On a personal level, I would highlight Carlos Salinas Adelantado.’

‘The immediacy of the responses from the firm is valued – this makes them stand out from other competitors.’

‘In my opinion, MA is the best maritime law firm. They collaborate very closely with the client, and coordinate other jurisdictions.’

Muñoz & Montañes

Devoted to shipping and international trade matters, boutique firm Muñoz & Montañes has significant experience advising shipowners and P&I clubs on contentious matters, including maritime casualties. The practice is led by Alicia Montañés, who is active in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Other names to note include Pablo Ibañez and Celia Lopera, who are commended by clients for being ‘reliable‘ and ‘proactive‘ attitude.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alicia Montañés


Autres avocats clés:

Celia Lopera; Pablo Ibáñez


Les références

‘Great team with specialisation in different areas.’

‘Great professionals, discreet and with great technical knowledge.’

‘Muñoz & Montañez provides reliable and proactive service with an excellent result.’

Principaux clients

Gard P&I


The Swedish Club P&I


Skuld P&I


Nordisk Defence Club


Maersk A/S


Mediterranean Shipping Company SA


West of England


TT Club


Manuport Logistics Spain


UBE Coporation Europe


Alcoholes Montplet S.A.U.


Liberdec S.L.


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. before the Central Administrative Economic Court (TEAC) challenging the tariffs charged by the Port Authority of Cadiz for the stay of MV MSC ELOANE.
  • Acted for Liberdec S.L., cargo interests, in a conflict against the freight forwarder for extra costs incurred in the discharging operations of a vessel at the Port of Sagunto, including the enforcement of an original B/L before Court.
  • Assisted Merna Shipping S.L. in the purchase and financing of a RoRo vessel, with Cypriot flag.