Our maritime team comprises professionals with diverse backgrounds in government and the maritime business. Assisted by Venable’s renowned legislative team, we draw on our comprehensive array of skills and capabilities to navigate the legal and business challenges confronting the maritime industry.
Today, trade and commerce are tied to the seamless flow of goods and services across national borders and regions. At the core of the international trading system is a diverse maritime industry. This important industry handles over 80% of all products transported on a global basis and includes vessel owners, operators, logistics providers, ports and terminals, users of the transport system, and countless others—each ensuring that the worldwide supply chain operates effectively.
Venable attorneys understand the various challenges facing the maritime industry, from unique business concerns to emerging regulatory requirements. Our multidisciplinary team of professionals has a clear track record of providing thorough counsel and advice by helping maritime businesses navigate these challenges, from complex antitrust and regulatory issues to litigating disputes before courts and administrative agencies. Our knowledge of and contacts with U.S., Asian, and European government and regulatory bodies allow us to advocate for individual interests from Washington, DC, Brussels, London, Beijing, and around the world.
A Presence in Washington, before Congress and Executive Agencies
In recent years, lawmakers and regulators both have set their sights on the maritime industry. This newfound interest stems from increased regulatory scrutiny and the new security environment established after the 2001 terrorist attacks. Today, compliance with security protocols and meeting regulatory thresholds must both be included as part of a sound corporate governance strategy. Our professionals regularly speak on security topics before U.S. and international audiences and publish articles in LexisNexis®’ Benedict on Admiralty and Informa’s Lloyd’s Maritime Intelligence Handbook. We are also authors of LexisNexis®’ The Homeland Security Deskbook: Private Sector Impacts of the Defense Against Terrorism.
Once Regulations Are in Place, They Must Be Interpreted and Applied—Another Area Where We Can Help
Venable attorneys are known as vigorous advocates and honest brokers on behalf of maritime interests—on Capitol Hill, before Executive Branch agencies, and, when necessary, in the courts. We know Washington and how it affects your industry, in terms of the broad policy issues your industry faces, as well as the nuances that need to be taken into account when laws are drafted and regulations are written.
We counsel a diverse group of interests—including terminal operators, carriers, intermediaries, and others—on important issues, such as transportation and homeland security initiatives, nascent congressional deliberations, and other regulatory issues, including those arising under the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), the Trade Act of 2002, and the Security and Accountability For Every Port (SAFE) Act of 2006.
Best Practice: Knowing What Comes Next
Venable clients are prepared when new legislation and regulations will significantly impact their operations through timely client alerts addressing actions by Congress and Executive Branch agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Maritime Administration, and other trade and transportation authorities.
Dealing with Environmental and Safety Issues
We represent owners and operators of marine vessels, ports, and offshore facilities on licensing requirements, including environmental, safety, and other issues involved in the licensing process. We also assist companies facing criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions for water pollution, improper hazardous materials transportation, and marine safety violations.
Led by former high-ranking environmental officials at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), our maritime team represents clients accused of environmental crimes and civil and administrative violations.
Building Tomorrow’s Ports
Working with Congress, the Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other agencies, as well as experts in the maritime industry, Venable helps ports address the myriad of challenges they face in developing infrastructures that are economically and environmentally sound.
Assisting with Pioneering Offshore Development Projects
Our maritime team includes a former Coast Guard attorney and others who are helping clients create innovative strategies to gain approval and public acceptance of liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals and other facilities on the outer Continental Shelf.
Practice Focus
- Container security initiative
- Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)
- Export controls and economic sanctions
- Government contracts
- Jones Act
- Licensing
- Liquid natural gas
- Maritime promotional laws
- Maritime regulatory
- Secure freight initiative Shipping Act
- Transportation worker ID card (TWIC)
Client Focus
- Energy companies
- Ferries
- Import/export companies
- Integrators
- International data/content companies
- Logistics providers
- Marine terminals
- Maritime transportation
- Off-shore supply vessels
- Ports
- Shipping companies
Memberships
- American Association of Port Authorities
- CoastWise Coalition
- Committee on Regulation of Vessel Operations
- Containerization and Intermodal Institute
- Maritime Administrative Bar Association
- Maritime Law Association Committee on Marine Ecology and Maritime Criminal Law
- National Defense Transportation Association
- Navy League
- Propeller Club of Washington, DC
- Society for International Affairs