Maritime Regulatory

Maritime activity in the United States is heavily regulated. It is overseen by numerous federal agencies and governed by a legal regime that is neither simple nor intuitive. Businesses with maritime-related operations require sophisticated maritime counsel. Cozen O’Connor has one of the largest, oldest, and most renowned maritime regulatory practices in the country.

Attorneys at Cozen O’Connor represent major global and U.S. liner, roro, bulker, and tanker carriers and shipowners; ocean carrier alliances, pools, and vessel sharing agreements; equipment pools ocean carrier associations; international and domestic cruise lines; marine terminal operators; offshore energy operators; entities involved in ownership and installation of offshore wind turbines and other marine construction projects; ocean transportation intermediaries; and dredging, towage, and other industrial vessel operators.

We counsel clients on all regulations enforced by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including discussion agreements; vessel sharing agreements; tariffs and service contracts; and niche or specialty agreements. Cozen O’Connor’s team has drafted and finalized more liner service contracts and carrier agreements than any other maritime firm group in the United States.

The firm’s regulatory attorneys also advise clients on the flagging or reflagging of vessels according to the maritime laws of the U.S., 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 various 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.

Cozen O’Connor attorneys, many of whom have been practicing in the maritime field for 30 or more years, have earned a reputation for excellence among top regulators in Washington, D.C., including those at the FMC, Maritime Administration, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Military Sealift Command, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Homeland Security.

In the maritime arena, U.S. regulators often oversee the conduct of international transportation companies. Our attorneys have deep experience representing international clients and helping clientele based both in the U.S. and overseas understand extra-territorial maritime and competition law requirements. We frequently assist clients dealing with foreign governments on issues relating to regulatory compliance and reform.

Most important to our maritime clients, Cozen O’Connor attorneys don’t just understand the regulations — we understand their businesses. From commercial operations to diverse trade routes, we have deep knowledge of all aspects of the maritime industry. This allows us to provide regulatory advice that is sophisticated and practical.

Members of our team have directly shaped U.S. maritime law. They have testified before Congress on  legislative reforms and served on U.S. delegations to negotiate and implement bilateral and international transportation and security agreements. Cozen O’Connor’s maritime regulatory practice has been recognized as Tier 1 by Chambers and Partners. Individual members of the group have also been recognized by Chambers as industry leaders. U.S. News – Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as “Law Firm of the Year” in Admiralty & Maritime Law. The Legal 500 United States has recognized the practice group as a Top Tier Firm for Transport: Shipping. The maritime group includes the chairman of the ABA International Law Section International Transportation Committee and several past presidents of the Maritime Administrative Bar Association.

Experience

Publications

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.

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.

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.

California Steams Past FMC on Detention and Demurrage Prohibitions [Alert]

October 06, 2022

The new bill marks an inflection point in an era of increased regulatory scrutiny of maritime practices, particularly detention and demurrage (D&D) charges.

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.

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.

Jones Act Extended to the Pristine Seabed of the Outer Continental Shelf [Alert]

February 03, 2021

Jeff Vogel and Josh Stein discuss CBP’s recent decision that addresses and concedes OMSA’s core issue by now acknowledging that the pristine seabed of the OCS is a coastwise point.

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.

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.

Washington Watch: Congress Eyes Maritime Economic Relief [Marine News]

September 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing how the maritime industry- including the offshore sector- was noticeably absent from the free flow of federal funding in the CARES Act or the subsequent Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

U.S. Offshore Wind Keeps Spinning in July — Legislative Update [Alert]

July 27, 2020

Josh Stein discusses the regulatory and legislative activity at the end of last year and the early part of this year that could impact the offshore wind industry.

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.

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.

Vessel Registries Grapple with COVID-19 [Alert]

March 25, 2020

Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss vessel registries relaxing original document requirements and accommodating the acknowledgment process without the need for a face-to-face meeting.

Marshall Islands Relaxes Mortgage Recording Requirements in Light of COVID-19

March 24, 2020

Geoffrey Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss the temporary modification to the mortgage recording and acknowledgments requirements set out in the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Act.

MARAD Seeks to Reestablish Voluntary Tanker Agreement

November 01, 2019

Jeff Vogel discusses the notice published on November 1. Comments on the draft VTA are due by December 2.

Opportunity to Comment on MARAD’s U.S. Citizenship Regulations and Policies [Alert]

April 30, 2019

Anne Mickey and Jeff Vogel discuss two Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking soliciting comments on steps that MARAD can take to simplify and/or modernize its U.S. citizenship regulations and policies.

A Time to Act Boldly: Maritime Challenges in the 116th Congress [Marine News]

February 12, 2019

Jeff Vogel authored a piece calling for the 116th Congress to recognize that the U.S.-flag fleet requires new mechanisms of support and that our domestic port infrastructure is a strategic national asset, requiring additional funding.

10 Years Of Inaction On US-Flag Cargo Preference

October 11, 2018

Jeff Vogel, a member in the firm's Transportation & Trade Group, published "10 Years Of Inaction On US-Flag Cargo Preference" for Law360.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2023

March 21, 2023 - Stamford, CT

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

November 02, 2022 - Washington, D.C.

In The News

Geoffrey Ferrer Recognized in 2023 Chambers Asia-Pacific Rankings

December 27, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Geoffrey Ferrer, co-vice chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade group, and a member of the Marshall Islands Bar, has been ranked in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023 Guide.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

Jeffrey Lawrence to Receive the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement Award from the Containerization & Intermodal Institute

November 09, 2022

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) will honor Jeffrey Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, with the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement award.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

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.

Four Cozen O’Connor Transportation & Trade Attorneys Selected to Who’s Who Legal

October 28, 2021

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Lawrence, chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, David Heffernan, vice chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, Jonathon Foglia, member of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Group, and Marc Fink, of counsel, have all been selected to Who’s Who Legal: Transport 2022 —a guide to the world’s leading transport lawyers.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

US election: reaction from the maritime industry as Joe Biden cruises to the White House

November 10, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing how Joe Biden's administration will impact the maritime sector.

US election: what will the maritime sector need from the Biden administration?

November 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing what key changes the Biden administration will need to put in place for the maritime industry.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2020 Legal Guide

June 22, 2020

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Stephen Cozen, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Christopher Sweeney, and Jeff Vogel to its 2020 Legal Guide.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O'Connor Practice Areas and Nine Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2019 Legal Guide

June 14, 2019

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O'Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, and Jeffrey Mullen to its 2019 Legal Guide.

The Propeller Club – Port Of Washington, DC Announces Jeff Vogel As New Vice President

April 29, 2019

The Propeller Club – Port of Washington, DC, a chapter of the International Propeller Club of the United States a nonprofit dedicated to the enhancement and well-being of all interests of the maritime community, named Cozen O'Connor attorney Jeff Vogel their new Vice President.

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.

Diverting Army Corps' Funding 'Would Cause Immediate Cessation' of Important Projects

February 15, 2019

Jeff Vogel was quoted in the Wall Street Journal's piece on how President Trump declaring a national emergency to bolster the wall would potentially divert critical funding sources away from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Seven Cozen O’Connor Lawyers Named 2019 “Lawyers of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America

August 31, 2018

Cozen O’Connor is proud to announce that seven of the firm’s lawyers have been recognized as “Lawyers of the Year” in their respective practices by Best Lawyers in America, one of the oldest and most highly regarded peer review publications in the legal profession.

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

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-six Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Three Practice Areas and Six Attorneys Recommended by The U.S. Edition of The Legal 500

June 15, 2018

The U.S. edition of The Legal 500 recognized Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, and Shipping practices as well as attorneys Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, and Anne Mickey.

Contacts

Jeffrey F. Lawrence

Co-Chair, International Practice

jlawrence@cozen.com

(202) 463-2504

People

Awards

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

Jeffrey Lawrence to Receive the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement Award from the Containerization & Intermodal Institute

November 09, 2022

The Containerization & Intermodal Institute (CII) will honor Jeffrey Lawrence, co-chair of the firm’s International Practice, with the 2022 CONNIE Lifetime Achievement award.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

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.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

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.

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

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-six Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Related Practice Areas

Keep up-to-date with the latest news from Cozen O'Connor

Enter your City or Zip.

Probably shouldn't change this:
Sign up to receive alerts, publications, and event / webinar invites.

By submitting your contact information, you are giving Cozen O'Connor consent to contact you via email.