Transportation: Shipping

Fleet Hamburg is widely considered a market-leading law firm in the area of shipping disputes. Its team regularly acts on behalf of domestic and international ship owners, charterers and insurance providers as well as banks. The firm is particularly renowned for its strength in representing defendants and claimants in disputes concerning cargo loss, vessel damage and product liability as well as insurance claims. Besides its excellence in large disputes, the firm also handles non-contentious matters, regularly assisting shipping and transport clients with contract negotiations and large shipbuilding tenders. Due to a number of English-qualified solicitors in the team, Fleet Hamburg is in a prime position to take on cross-border mandates, especially those involving English law-governed cases.

"Fleet are excellent in understanding commercial backgrounds and very pragmatic in legal negotiations, offering clear communication without delays."

"We feel recognised as an important client although we know we are not the largest account. They always have open ears and respond super fast with in-depth analysis and solutions."

"The lawyers are very efficient and solution oriented and are very good at solving complex problems."

Arthur Steinmann is co-head of department and renowned for his expertise in handling complex and often cross-border maritime disputes, including high-profile cases relating to grounded vessels and ship production failures. "Arthur Steinmann is good quality, very collegiate and always nice to work with." "Arthur Steinmann is very analytical and very strong in his commercial awareness and level of sophistication."

Prominent practitioner Klaus Kostka is highly appreciated for his prowess in handling complex shipping mandates across Germany and beyond. Ship owners often mandate him for tender proceedings concerning large shipbuilding programmes. He also versed in disputes. "Klaus Kostka is a very knowledgeable lawyer who is very efficient." "He is clear in describing risk and a good guide in unclear situations."

Markus Eichhorst remains a trusted adviser due to his strength in contentious maritime law mandates. He is frequently involved in large shipping disputes concerning insurance claims, cargo loss and construction failures in shipbuilding, whereby he acts for ship owners, insurers and banks.

UK-qualified practitioner Dharshini Bandara is well placed to handle maritime law disputes pertaining to ship collisions, loss of cargo and delivery failures, especially those with cross-border elements. She is co-head of the Fleet Hamburg maritime practice. "Darshini is extremely switched on with super fast analytical skills delivering 100-percent accuracy."

Eva Bodenbach advises ship owners and operators on a wide range of shipping mandates from vessel acquisitions and sales to new shipbuilding contracts and financing matters. She is also experienced in charter contracts and agency matters. "She defends her clients in an impressive way I have never experienced before. She always remains calm and controlled, regardless of how heated negotiations may get."