Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory
USA Guide 2024 : USA - Nationwide
Band 1
Contact number
+1 202.420.3141About
Provided by Blank Rome LLP
- Teams in Washington, D.C., Houston and New York cover compliance counseling, training, risk mitigation, corporate investigations, enforcement action defense, administrative litigation, and government relations
- Liaise with all regulators overseeing the industry; our relationships with their key personnel are central to our strength
- Our Firm’s top shipping litigation and finance practices are crucial; complex regulatory, litigation and transactional efforts are often interconnected
- We have vast experience defending companies and individuals facing environmental investigations of casualties or alleged intentional misconduct – many with criminal elements and involving potential/intentional Clean Water Act and MARPOL violations
- Our depth of knowledge and capabilities are unmatched in compliance with and enforcement of issues involving the Jones Act and other coastwise trade laws. Here, we often are local U.S. counsel for international shipping law firms
- One of few firms advising the industry on the threats of cyber-attacks, how best to protect against breaches, and assisting clients with cyber-audits and investigations
- We have considerable knowledge of offshore regulatory compliance issues for the oil, gas, and wind energy industries
- The “go-to” firm for domestic and international clients worldwide regarding ballast water management compliance requirements. We’ve sought hundreds of compliance-date extensions, dealt with enforcement actions, and often speak worldwide on risk and liability
Chambers Review
Blank Rome LLP has a highly acclaimed practice well known for its representation of significant shipping clients in a range of regulatory matters. It has expertise in Jones Act compliance, environmental investigation defense of companies and individuals, and government relations including legislative advice. The firm advises on maritime cybersecurity issues, including attacks and security breach avoidance. It has further strength in counseling ship owners and operators on US trade sanction issues. The team offers wider industry expertise in shipping within the context of offshore oil, gas and wind energy compliance matters.
Work Highlights
- Blank Rome LLP acted as maritime counsel to Dominion Energy in connection with the building, charter parties, crewing and citizenship of an $8 billion financing for a wind turbine installation vessel to be built in the USA.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team is knowledgeable and responsive."
"Blank Rome is renowned in the maritime regulatory field."
"The team is knowledgeable and responsive."
"Blank Rome is renowned in the maritime regulatory field."
Notable Practitioners
Jeanne Grasso is held in high esteem for her representation of owners, cargo interests and operators. She advises clients on general regulatory compliance as well as investigations and enforcement proceedings.
"Jeanne knows the industry. She provides novel legal interpretation and is extremely reliable."
"Jeanne is a fantastic practitioner."
Jonathan Waldron has an impressive reputation for his work in maritime environmental compliance, international trade and Jones Act work. Clients additionally benefit from his 20 years of service in the US Coast Guard.
"Jonathan is an absolutely outstanding attorney."
"He is very good on the intricacies of federal maritime law."
Matthew Thomas represents all manner of maritime industry participants including ship owners, insurers, ports and marine terminal operators. An expert in maritime logistics, he is particularly recognized for his expertise in trade sanctions issues concerning sector clients.
"Matt is an excellent lawyer and a pleasure to work with."