Maritime, Transport & Trade

Hadef & Partners' Shipping practice is a leading force in the industry, providing comprehensive legal services to a diverse clientele. Our team represents a wide range of regional and international clients, including P&I Clubs, underwriters, vessel and airline owners, transportation operators, charterers, commodity traders, ship repair yards, financial institutions, governmental authorities, port operators, and regulators. With our extensive expertise and deep understanding of the industry, we are well-equipped to handle the most complex legal matters in the field.

Our team offers a full spectrum of legal services, from contract negotiations and transactions to dispute resolution. We are skilled in handling arbitrations and have a team of advocates qualified to appear before all courts and tribunals in the UAE. Our expertise covers various aspects of maritime, trade, and transport law, including charterparties, bills of lading, international sale and commodity contracts, trade finance and documentary credits, marine insurance and collisions, shipbuilding, repair and conversion contracts, admiralty and cargo claims, salvage and general average, as well as specialist oil pollution and environmental matters. Additionally, we provide legal support to offshore engineering and construction businesses operating in the UAE and the wider Arabian Gulf, along with the marine industries that service them.

At Hadef & Partners, we take a specialized approach to all matters related to trade and transport, enabling us to provide our clients with a dedicated and expert team of lawyers who possess a deep understanding of the industry's commercial specifics. Our team is committed to delivering exceptional legal services, whether it's during contract negotiations, transactions, or disputes. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that their interests are protected and their goals are achieved.

• Advised Abu Dhabi Ports on their listing on ADX with a market value of AED 28 billion. The process involved the offering of around 25% of the company’s shares through private placement.
• Acted for the Offsets Office of Abu Dhabi in relation to the incorporation of Abu Dhabi Ship Building PJSC (ADSB) and the offering of almost 50% of its shares to the general public. This was the first UAE IPO to be conducted in accordance with international standards and led to the establishment of the largest dockyard in the region.
• Advising a global leader in the transportation industry on Dubai laws on a long term lease for a facility situated at free zone area, Al Maktoum International Airport.
• Advised a global leader in executive aviation services, on trademark and intellectual property aspects of a new brand rollout, and currently representing them in a confidential trademark dispute with an entity in the European Union, leveraging our IP team's depth of expertise and strategic guidance to navigate EUTM opposition proceedings and negotiations effectively.
• Advised a leading private jet company, on launching their new G7 ultra-long range private jet and an advertising campaign in the UAE, including considerations of UAE law, trademark, copyright, and international enforcement, showcasing our multidisciplinary expertise in IP and related areas.
• Advised an aviation client on events contracts, corporate accommodation agreements, and software contracts in the UAE.
• Representing a worldwide logistics company in four separate criminal proceedings associated with defaults by guarantors to trade facility loan agreements.
• Researched, identified, and reviewed laws and regulations relevant to a prominent government-owned entity operating in the railways industry. Our comprehensive analysis aimed to ensure their full compliance with the intricate legal landscape governing the transportation sector.
• Advised a Bank to recover over US$37 million due under a facility agreement which was secured by a ship mortgage over the vessel “City Elite”.
• Acting for the owners of a vessel and their P&I Club in respect of a dispute arising with the Charterers rejecting the ship’s hold stating it as unsuitable to load cargo.