Shipping Practice: Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Settlements
Shipping Practice: Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Settlements at D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates
At D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates, our shipping practice encompasses the full spectrum of admiralty, shipping, and maritime law. As trusted legal advisors to shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs, and other stakeholders, we offer unparalleled expertise in both dry and wet shipping matters, including P&I settlements, marine insurance, ship arrest or release, cargo claims, and more. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive comprehensive legal support tailored to their unique needs.
Comprehensive Shipping Practice
Our practice covers a broad array of services, including:
- P&I Settlements: Handling claims involving death, personal injury, pollution, cargo damage, collision liabilities, and wreck removals.
- Ship Finance and Transactions: Advising on ship buying, selling, and financing.
- International Trade: Providing legal assistance for cargo disputes, trade finance, and multimodal transport issues.
- Marine Insurance: Specializing in hull and machinery insurance, cargo insurance, and third-party liability coverage.
- Port Development and Projects: Drafting and reviewing contracts for shipping-related infrastructure projects.
We also provide corporate advice and support for complex shipping projects, ensuring all legal documentation aligns with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
Expertise in Protection & Indemnity (P&I)
P&I insurance is a specialized form of marine insurance that covers shipowners for legal liabilities to third parties. Our team at D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates offers deep expertise in advising shipowners and P&I clubs on a wide range of claims, including:
Key Areas of P&I Coverage
- Death and Personal Injury on Board: Addressing liabilities arising from crew, passenger, and visitor injuries or fatalities.
- Repatriation and Hospital Expenses: Assisting with claims for crew medical expenses and repatriation costs.
- Cargo Damage and Loss: Managing disputes over damaged or lost cargo, including handling bills of lading and contractual breaches.
- Collision and Grounding Liability: Advising on “one-fourth” collision liability claims under hull and machinery policies.
- Pollution Claims: Handling liabilities arising from oil spills, environmental damage, and compliance with international conventions.
- Wreck Removal: Assisting with claims related to wreck marking, removal, and destruction.
- Towage and Salvage Contracts: Managing liabilities under towage contracts and salvage agreements, including SCOPIC clauses.
Reducing Liability and Ensuring Compliance
Our primary goal is to minimize the liability of our clients while ensuring that all claims are resolved efficiently. Whether negotiating settlements or representing clients in court, our team adopts a proactive and strategic approach to achieve optimal outcomes.
Expertise in P&I Clubs
D & N Maritime Shipping Law Associates regularly advises P&I clubs and shipowners on matters such as:
- Drafting terms of insurance cover and rules.
- Advising on coverage disputes and interpretation of policies.
- Collecting unpaid premiums and calls.
- Ensuring compliance with international standards, including the Hague-Visby Rules and the Rotterdam Rules.
Handling Complex Claims
Our experience includes managing claims for:
- Crew Personal Effects: Assisting with claims for lost crew belongings due to shipwreck or fire.
- Diversion Expenses: Addressing liabilities for ship diversion to handle medical emergencies or stowaways.
- Fines and Legal Costs: Handling penalties for regulatory breaches and reimbursing legal expenses incurred during disputes.
- Environmental and Pollution Claims: Representing clients in cases of oil spills and other environmental damages.
- Cargo’s Proportion of General Average or Salvage: Managing claims for general average contributions and salvage-related liabilities.
Global Expertise and Network
International Recognition
Specialized Marine Insurance Services
In addition to P&I settlements, our expertise extends to:
- Hull and Machinery Insurance: Advising on policies that cover loss or damage to ships.
- Cargo Insurance: Handling disputes related to cargo damage during transport.
- Liability Insurance: Addressing third-party claims and ensuring compliance with international treaties.