Maritime

Featured Publication:

Will 2024 Settle the Turbulence of US Offshore Wind? [Marine Link]

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges the U.S. offshore wind market faced in 2023.

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Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm, but Cozen O’Connor’s renowned maritime practice helps its sophisticated clients navigate all types of weather. Our team relies on years of industry-specific experience and knowledge to provide regulatory, litigation, and business counsel to a diverse range of global clients across the maritime industry. The firm’s team has been recognized as a Band 1 firm for Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory by Chambers and Partners USA. The Legal 500 United States has recognized Cozen O’Connor as a Tier 2 Firm for Shipping: Litigation and Regulation.

Cozen O’Connor’s maritime team represents major global and U.S. liner, roro, bulker, and tanker carriers and shipowners; ocean carrier alliances and associations; equipment pools and vessel sharing agreements; maritime-related investors and financial institutions; international and domestic cruise lines; marine terminal operators; offshore energy operators; ports, terminals, and their operators; entities involved with offshore wind turbines and other marine construction projects; ocean transportation intermediaries; and dredging, towage, and other industrial vessel operators.

The expansive range of skills, knowledge, and experience within the team includes: 

  • Regulatory
  • Litigation
  • Corporate and Finance
  • Antitrust

Regulatory. Our attorneys counsel on regulations enforced by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including tariffs and service contracts, discussion agreements, vessel sharing agreements, and niche or specialty agreements. We advise clients on the flagging or reflagging of vessels according to the maritime laws of the United States, the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Liberia. We help clients comply with a litany of other U.S. maritime laws (e.g., Jones Act, Towing and Salvage Statute, Dredging Statute, Passenger Vessel Services Act, and American Fisheries Act) and the requirements of maritime promotional programs (e.g., cargo preference programs and the Maritime Security Program). We also provide clear guidance on environmental and offshore energy regulations, sanctions, and embargos.

Litigation. Cozen O’Connor handles complex commercial disputes arising from agreements unique to the maritime industry as well as marine casualty, personal injury, wrongful death, loss of cargo, and pollution claims. We respond to government investigations, resolve administrative and criminal enforcement actions and defend criminal and civil litigation. We also handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull, and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers.

Corporate & Finance. Our finance practice covers traditional asset-backed ship finance, leasing transactions and other custom-tailored financings, as well as capital raided in the public and private markets, all valued in the billions of dollars. We provide ongoing counsel on charter parties, citizenship requirements, restructuring, workouts, and maritime lien enforcement. Our attorneys serve as special counsel in mergers and acquisitions involving foreign and domestic maritime-related assets. We also advise on ship construction and repair contracts, as well as vessel sale and purchase matters.

Antitrust. Our attorneys are exceptionally knowledgeable about the application of U.S. and non-U.S. antitrust and competition laws to the maritime industry. We advise on all matters of antitrust compliance, review M&A and joint venture transactions, and defend clients in private antitrust class actions and U.S. and multi-jurisdictional government antitrust and enforcement proceedings.

Cozen O’Connor’s maritime practice is made up of acknowledged leaders of the maritime bar, including several former presidents of the Maritime Administrative Bar Association. Our attorneys have testified before Congress on dozens of critical legislative reforms and served on U.S. delegations to negotiate and implement bilateral and international transportation and security agreements. The team includes contributing authors to numerous publications, including Schoenbuam’s Admiralty & Maritime Law and Wolters and Kluwer’s Maritime Law Handbook.

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Experience

Publications

Maritime Implications of Recent US Supreme Court Rulings [Marine Link]

July 22, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, which have fundamentally changed the ways laws are interpreted and enforced by federal agencies.

Congress Raises the National Security Alarm on Shipbuilding [Marine Link]

June 06, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing a letter to President Biden that focuses on enhancing the U.S. industrial shipbuilding base in the commercial and military sectors.

Will 2024 Settle the Turbulence of US Offshore Wind? [Marine Link]

March 01, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges the U.S. offshore wind market faced in 2023.

Maritime Challenges: A Time to Act Boldly [Marine News]

February 09, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing the crucial maritime decisions the 116th Congress faces this year that will have a long lasting impact on our nation’s security and economy.

Ask What Your Government Can Do For Your Industry (A 2023 Retrospective) [Marine Link]

December 21, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing what the political leadership in Washington, D.C., accomplished for the maritime industry in 2023.

The Headwinds of US Offshore Wind Development [Marine Link]

October 13, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the status of the development of the U.S. offshore wind industry.

NSMV: The Model for the Future of Government Shipbuilding [Marine Link]

August 16, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the Empire State VIII, the first national Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV).

Time To Meet The U.S. Mariner Shortage Head On [Marine Link]

May 17, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges of the U.S. mariner shortage.

Federal Maritime Commission Charges Forward with Interim Procedures for OSRA 22 Complaints [Alert]

December 05, 2022

The FMC released “Interim Procedures for Processing Charge Complaints” filed with the Commission under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.

Congress, GAO Set Their Focus on Cargo Preference Fixes [Maritime Logistics Professionals]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel and Matthew Howell contributed an article for Maritime Logistics Professionals discussing the recent hearing from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I Committee) and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

US Midterm Elections Bring Changes, Uncertainty in Congressional Maritime Leadership [Marine Link]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the guarantee that leadership changes will occur in some of the critical Congressional leadership positions that will impact the maritime industry.

TIMES THEY KEEP A CHANGIN’ — Upcoming Changes to DoD CMMC Program and Cybersecurity Requirements

November 11, 2021

Larry Prosen discusses DoD's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking updating its existing, relatively young, CMMC model certification to a CMMC 2.0 structure.

Harmony at Last? – Coast Guard Takes Steps to Embrace State Titling Laws [Alert]

September 23, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Jeff Vogel, and Matt Howell discuss a recent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published by the U.S. Coast Guard

The Absentee Custodian [Alert]

May 05, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Christopher Raleigh, and Neil Quartaro discuss substitute custodians and the responsibilities of the arresting party.

Don’t Give Up Your Leverage — The Interplay Between Vessel Arrest and the Automatic Stay [Alert]

April 28, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Christopher Raleigh, Neil Quartaro, Eric Scherling, and Erik Schmidt discuss a recent victory for a client in connection with a debtor that was in severe financial distress.

Ready Your Salad Fork for Biden’s Offshore Energy Plans

April 01, 2021

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to MarineLink discussing Biden's issuance of the "Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” and the impact this has had on offshore oil and gas development.

Developments in Offshore Wind: Part One [White Paper]

March 17, 2021

Michael Connolly, Amorie Hummel, William Lesser, Heidi Schwartz, Josh Stein, and James Van Orden discuss New Jersey and New York's offshore wind energy policies and what the Biden administration has already done to advance offshore wind energy development in federal waters.

MARAD Updates Title XI Program with Streamlined Process [Alert]

February 18, 2021

Jeff Vogel and Kathryn Sobotta discuss MARAD's simplified and streamlined loan process available to certain borrowers with strong financial track records and willingness to agree to MARAD’s preferred lending terms.

Legislative Update – Congress Acts to Clarify the Application of the Jones Act to Offshore Wind [Alert]

December 07, 2020

Josh Stein discusses the announcement that both chambers of Congress have reached an agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 and how it may impact the offshore wind industry.

Streamlining and Simplifying U.S. Government Guaranteed Vessel Financing [MarineLink]

December 02, 2020

Jeff Vogel and Anne Mickey contributed an article to MarineLink discussing the steps that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) has taken to streamline and simplify the Federal Ship Financing Program under Chapter 537 of Title 46 of the U.S. Code (commonly referred to as Title XI).

Working Out the Election’s Impact on the U.S. Workboat Industry

November 17, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing what impact the election has on the U.S. workboat industry.

Federal Maritime Commission Seeks Public Input on Cruise Refunds

October 13, 2020

Jeff Vogel discusses the FMC's ANPRM seeking public comment on potential regulatory changes to its passenger vessel operator financial responsibility requirements.

A Cautionary Tale for Vessel Mortgagees [Alert]

September 24, 2020

Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss steps mortgagees can take to avoid a foreclosed vessel being sold at a judicial auction for just 2 percent of the amount of the secured debt.

Congress Takes First Step Toward FMC Advisory Committee [Alert]

May 26, 2020

Wayne Rohde discusses the Federal Maritime Commission National Shipper Advisory Committee Act of 2019 and the establishment of an advisory committee to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for policy matters relating to the competitiveness, reliability, integrity, and fairness of the international ocean freight delivery system.

Amid Global Supply Concerns, Trump EO Seeks to Increase Domestic Fishing and Aquaculture Production [Alert]

May 20, 2020

Jeff Vogel, Matt Howell, and Anne Mickey discuss the Executive Order on Promoting American Seafood Competitiveness and Economic Growth that seeks to reduce the need for imported seafood, which makes up roughly 85 percent of consumption in the United States.

Cruise Lines Forced to Face Helms-Burton Claims [Alert]

April 24, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh warn American companies considering doing business in Cuba to investigate whether their operations could arguably constitute “trafficking” in property that was confiscated by the Castro regime and subject them to claims under the Helms-Burton Act.

FMC Expands Use of Innovation Teams to Respond to COVID-19 Supply Chain Concerns

April 16, 2020

Bob Magovern and Wayne Rohde discuss the FMC's order aimed at developing improvements to the U.S. ocean transportation supply chain through the use innovation teams.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Safe Berth Clause is a Warranty

April 01, 2020

Chris Raleigh and David Loh discuss the Supreme Court's decision in Citgo Asphalt Refining Co. v. Fescati Shipping Co., Ltd., and what owners, charterers, and shippers should do next.

Third Circuit Finds Insured Has Burden of Proving Fortuity Under Yacht Policy

March 30, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh discuss the importance of investigating a loss promptly and retaining appropriate experts to reasonably preserve the facts and circumstances leading up to the loss.

Shipping 2020 [Chambers Global Practice Guide]

March 05, 2020

Marc Fink and Matthew Howell contributed the introductory chapter to the Chambers 2020 Shipping Guide, discussing the issues that the shipping industry will face in 2020.

The Federal Government's 2020 Inland Impact [MarineLink]

February 18, 2020

Jeff Vogel published an article to MarineLink discussing some of the items that will have a direct impact on the U.S. maritime industry in 2020.

DOJ Offers Incentives to Encourage Self-Reporting of Export and Sanctions Violations [Alert]

December 19, 2019

Martin S. Bloor and Don Kassilke the DOJ's revised guidance regarding VSDs to further encourage companies to self-report potential criminal violations of the U.S. export control and economic sanctions laws.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

2024 Seoul Global Conference

October 16, 2024 - Seoul, South Korea

MARAD, Grants Discussion

June 11, 2024 - Miami, FL

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2024

March 12, 2024 - Stamford, CT

Making Buy America Work for Our Industry

October 12, 2023 - New Orleans, Louisiana

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2023

March 21, 2023 - Stamford, CT

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

November 02, 2022 - Washington, D.C.

CARES Act Loan Programs and Tax Relief

April 16, 2020 - Webinar

In The News

Cozen O'Connor Vet Leader On Affinity Group, Military Service

November 08, 2024

Kathryn Sobotta was featured in a Law360 article discussing Cozen O’Connor’s veteran attorney resource group and her experience in the military.

How Will a ‘Landmark’ US Supreme Court Ruling Impact the FMC?

August 09, 2024

Jeff Vogel was quoted in a SeatradeMaritime News article discussing the impact the United States Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright may have on the Federal Maritime Commission.

Three Cozen O’Connor Transportation & Trade Attorneys Selected to Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2024

December 01, 2023

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that David Heffernan, chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, Jeffrey F. Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, and Jonathon Foglia, member of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, have been selected to Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2024.

Neil Quartaro Named Chair of the Maritime Law Association Maritime Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee

October 03, 2023

Neil Quartaro, a member of the firm’s Transportation and Trade Group, has been appointed chair of the Maritime Law Association’s Maritime Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2023 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

May 30, 2023

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2023 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

U.S. election: how has Donald Trump impacted the maritime industry?

November 03, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing Donald Trump’s impact on the maritime industry over the past four years.

Fourteen Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 20, 2020

Super Lawyers has named 14 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2020 Washington, D.C., Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

Contacts

Geoffrey D. Ferrer

Co-Vice Chair, Transportation & Trade

gferrer@cozen.com

(212) 908-1201

People

Awards

Three Cozen O’Connor Transportation & Trade Attorneys Selected to Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2024

December 01, 2023

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that David Heffernan, chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, Jeffrey F. Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, and Jonathon Foglia, member of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, have been selected to Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2024.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Named 2022 D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

July 12, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its 2022 Washington D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2020

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 25 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

138 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys Recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

April 25, 2019

The 2019 Washington, D.C, edition of Super Lawyers Magazine, published by Thomson Reuters, has named 13 Cozen O’Connor attorneys to its list of Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

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