Transportation: Shipping
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Contact number
+1 416-367-6000About
Provided by Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
With over a century of experience and offices across Canada, we are Canada’s only law firm with a dedicated, fully-integrated national transportation practice.
BLG has Canada’s only National Shipping and Aviation Teams, serving Canadian and international clients throughout the transportation industry.
On the shipping side, we act for container and bulk shipping lines, ship operators, charterers, terminals, cruise lines, P&I clubs, shipbuilders, H&M underwriters and other marine insurers. We act in disputes, commercial transactions and regulatory matters and provide practical and proactive advice to meet the needs of the shipping industry.
We also have the strongest multidisciplinary aviation practice in our country providing legal expertise in disputes, regulatory, employment, competition, aircraft and engine finance or leasing (synthetic leases or otherwise), government lobbying, insolvency, tax, and commercial transactions. Our clients include some of the world’s largest air carriers, airports, fixed and rotary wing operators, FBOs, MROs, airframe and engine manufacturers, component-part manufacturers and fabricators, and aviation insurers.
We keep an eye on issues affecting the industry, including consolidation, environmental concerns, pressures from competitors, and new and disruptive technologies. As key parts of BLG’s National Transportation Group, our National Shipping and Aviation Teams continue to provide best in class service, from the ground to the water and up.
Chambers Review
Borden Ladner Gervais is a national law firm with a first-class cross-sector transportation team advising clients on the full spectrum of maritime law, including ship construction, finance, purchases and sales, terminal operations, insolvency proceedings, cargo claim defence, charter party disputes, and environmental matters such as fuel oil spills. It offers coverage across Canada, with its offices in Montréal, Toronto and Vancouver playing key roles in the shipping arena, and its Team North initiative offering advice on shipping in the Arctic. The firm also operates a well-regarded aviation practice, with particular experience in aerospace disputes and claims. It possesses an especially strong reputation in cases involving fatal aircraft accidents and aerospace product liability concerns. Additionally, its rail practice has been growing in recognition, as the team regularly assists clients with regulatory matters and rail accident-related litigation.
Work Highlights
- Borden Ladner Gervais assisted Crestview Partners with financing a fleet of passenger vessels and ferries across Canada and the USA, at an estimated value of CAD300 million.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"BLG have a handle on the most complex cases and they are always ready to answer questions as required."
"I am definitely satisfied with the firm's expertise."
"The Borden team always makes itself available and responds quickly."
"BLG has a well-seasoned bench with several attorneys in each location throughout Canada who can assist at different levels."
"BLG have a handle on the most complex cases and they are always ready to answer questions as required."
"I am definitely satisfied with the firm's expertise."
"The Borden team always makes itself available and responds quickly."
"BLG has a well-seasoned bench with several attorneys in each location throughout Canada who can assist at different levels."
Notable Practitioners
Montréal-based lawyer Jean-Marie Fontaine is engaged by clients for contentious cases, often involving cargo claims, collisions and shipbuilding disputes, as well as for regulatory maritime matters.
"Jean-Marie Fontaine is an absolute expert in all matters regarding maritime law."
Dionysios Rossiis based in Vancouver, from where he draws upon his experience in environmental law to represent clients in a range of maritime law cases, including oil spills. He also counsels shipping organisations on regulatory concerns.
Elizabeth Fashler is a prominent transportation lawyer based in Calgary. She is particularly experienced in representing clients from the rail industry in a range of litigation, arbitration and regulatory hearings.
"We are very happy with Elizabeth's work. She is very energetic and passionate about her area of practice."
"Elizabeth Fashler is highly rated for client service and commerciality."
"She is wonderful and produces great outputs."
Ranked Lawyers at
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Nationwide - Canada