Maritime Law is a complex field regulating relationships related to navigation, cargo shipping, and maritime safety in Georgia's territorial waters, ports, and international space. As a key transit country in the Black Sea region, Georgia is actively involved in international maritime trade. Consequently, maritime law covers both commercial (private) aspects — ship registration, cargo carriage contracts, marine insurance — and public and security aspects — maritime border protection, navigation safety, and environmental protection. Legal.ge offers access to qualified lawyers specializing in the Maritime Code and international conventions to protect the interests of shipowners, carriers, port operators, and seafarers.
What does this service cover?
Maritime law specialists provide services in the following areas:
- Ship Registration and Flagging: Registering vessels in the state registry, obtaining the right to fly the flag, and mortgage registration.
- Cargo Shipping Disputes: Resolving disputes related to Bill of Lading, Charter Party, and Incoterms conditions (cargo damage, delay).
- Maritime Incidents and Insurance: Legal regulation of accidents, collisions, oil spills, and salvage operations at sea; dealing with P&I Clubs.
- Piracy and Maritime Security: Consulting on navigation rules and defense mechanisms in maritime security zones (ISPS Code).
- Seafarers' Rights: Employment contracts, wage recovery, and repatriation under the MLC convention.
- Ship Arrest and Release: Procedures for arresting ships in Georgian ports to secure maritime claims.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Maritime legal assistance is needed by:
- Logistics Companies: When cargo is damaged during transport and compensation is sought from the carrier.
- Shipowners: For executing ship sale and purchase transactions or changing the ship's flag.
- Port Operators: For drafting terminal service agreements and complying with environmental regulations.
- Foreign Vessels: Encountering problems in Batumi or Poti ports (e.g., fines for environmental pollution).
Georgian Legal Framework
The main regulatory document of the field is the Maritime Code of Georgia, which defines the rules for navigation, crewing, cargo carriage, and maritime incidents. Also important is the Law of Georgia on Maritime Space, which establishes the regime of territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone. Georgia is a party to many international conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, MLC), meaning local law is harmonized with international standards. Strictly enforced regulations exist regarding pollution of the Black Sea.
Step-by-Step Process
In maritime disputes, the process is often urgent. In case of ship arrest, the lawyer applies to the court immediately. In civil disputes (cargo/contract), the process begins with sending a claim letter and negotiating with insurance clubs. Ship registration involves submitting documents to the Maritime Transport Agency and passing technical inspection.
Why Legal.ge?
Maritime law is a niche and specific field where general legal knowledge is insufficient. Legal.ge connects you with experts who have practical experience in the maritime industry, are familiar with the specifics of Batumi and Poti ports, and can react operationally during ship arrests or maritime incidents.
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