Shipping contracts are the backbone of the maritime industry, regulating relations between shipowners, charterers, logistics companies, and crew members. In Georgia, where maritime trade is a leading sector of the economy, properly formulating contracts is critically important for risk minimization and business continuity. Maritime contracts are often characterized by international elements, requiring deep knowledge of not only local but also international maritime law and commercial practice. Any ambiguity in contract terms can become the cause of multi-million dollar disputes. The Legal.ge platform offers access to qualified maritime lawyers who specialize in the development, analysis, and dispute resolution related to various types of maritime contracts.
What does the shipping contracts service cover?
The shipping contracts service covers a wide range of legal documents necessary for all stages of maritime operations. Lawyers will assist you in preparing the following types of agreements: Charter-parties (Voyage, Time, Bareboat); shipbuilding and ship repair contracts; ship management and technical service agreements; agency and brokerage agreements; and crew employment contracts (Crewing Agreements) considering international labor standards (MLC). Additionally, the service includes legal review of contracts, optimization of arbitration clauses, and formulation of liability limitation terms. Lawyers also provide assistance with insurance contracts (P&I, H&M), which are an integral part of the maritime business.
Common real-world scenarios
There are many situations where a professional maritime contract is essential. A typical scenario is a dispute over freight and demurrage, where a financial disagreement arises between the parties due to delay in port, which directly depends on the charter-party terms. The second scenario concerns poor quality service provided during ship repair, where guarantees and scopes of liability specified in the contract are decisive. The third scenario is labor disputes involving crew members, which often transition to international jurisdiction and require clear labor contracts. There are also frequent cases where shipowners sign long-term service agreements with logistics terminals, where conditions and deadlines for cargo processing must be detailed.
Georgian Legal Framework
Shipping contracts in Georgia are regulated by the Maritime Code of Georgia, which contains specific norms on maritime transportation, freighting, and vessel hiring. The Code often points to the freedom of parties in determining contract terms but establishes imperative norms regarding safety and liability. The Civil Code of Georgia is used in the part of general contract law, such as entering into, terminating, and compensating for damage. In the context of international trade, Incoterms rules and international maritime conventions (e.g., Hague-Visby Rules) are important. A lawyer's role is to ensure that the contract is in full compliance with both Georgian and international norms to protect the client's position during any dispute.
Step-by-step process when working with a specialist
The process of preparing a maritime contract begins with identifying the commercial goals and risks of the parties. The lawyer provides negotiation support and prepares the initial draft of the contract. In the second stage, a detailed discussion of the terms with the counterparty takes place, and necessary changes are made. The third stage involves legal due diligence of the contract to exclude contradictions with current legislation. In the fourth stage, the final version is agreed upon and signed. During the contract's duration, the lawyer monitors it, prepares additional agreements, and provides legal advice on any arising misunderstandings. In the event of a dispute, the lawyer leads the process of filing and resolving claims.
Why choose Legal.ge?
Maritime contracts require high specialization, which general commercial lawyers often lack. On the Legal.ge platform, you will find only experienced maritime law experts who have practical experience in international shipping. Our platform offers a secure environment for selecting a professional, where you can familiarize yourself with their ratings and specialization. Through Legal.ge, your shipping contracts will be legally sound, creating a reliable basis for your business. Find your specialist on Legal.ge and protect your interests with the highest standards of maritime law.
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