Vessel arrest is the sharpest weapon a maritime creditor has. You are not just sending letters and chasing invoices. You are stopping the ship from sailing, blocking the owner’s cash flow, and forcing them to deal with you. Used right, arrest is fast, brutal, and effective. Used wrong, it backfires as wrongful arrest and damages. […]
Author: James Wilson
How to Write a Strong Shipping Contract
A weak shipping contract is an open door: unpaid freight, damaged cargo, delays, and no clear way to make the other side pay. A strong one shuts that door before trouble starts. This is a straight, practical guide to writing a shipping contract that actually protects you – whether you own ships, book cargo, or […]
Understanding Bills of Lading: Basics for Small Operators
If you run a small shipping business, the bill of lading is one document you can’t ignore. It’s more than a receipt – it’s the backbone of cargo handling. Here’s a clear look at what you need to know.
Competitor Unfair Practices in Shipping: Legal Remedies & How to Protect Your Business
They tried to cheat me. A competitor. Someone I’d known for years in the shipping trade. When they thought I wasn’t looking, they started spreading lies about my services, undercutting my rates to steal my clients, and telling my suppliers I was going out of business. I watched good customers slip away because of dirty […]
How to Prevent Cargo Claims: A Shipowner’s Guide for 2026
Cargo claims are a major headache for any shipping business. In 2026, stakes are higher than ever—laws are strict, and reputations are everything. Here’s a tough, step-by-step guide for shipowners to prevent cargo claims and keep your operation running smooth.
Tips for Avoiding Lawsuits in the Shipping Business
Lawsuits are a headache. As a tough shipowner, I do my best to steer clear of court. Here are simple tips to help you avoid legal trouble and keep your business strong.
Essential Maritime Laws Every Shipowner Should Know
As a shipowner running a family business, knowing the law keeps your company safe. Below are the main maritime laws every shipowner in America should know. I keep this simple, clear, and direct.
Denied Cargo Claims: How to Fight Unfair Carriers and Recover Losses
Don’t be taken for a ride. That’s what happened to me. Year after year, running a water transport company in the States, watching competitors try to skate free after destroying cargo. Watching big carriers hide behind fine print and deny legitimate claims. I’ve learned the hard way: the law is on your side if you […]
What to Do if Competitors Act Unfairly in Shipping
Running a shipping business can be cut-throat. Some folk don’t play straight – they bend the rules or break them outright. Here’s how I deal with unfair competition and keep my business secure.
Environmental Law in the Shipbreaking Industry: Navigating Troubled Waters
The shipbreaking industry, while a necessary component of maritime operations, presents significant environmental challenges. From my perspective in the maritime transport business, I’ve witnessed the potential for ecological damage if regulations and best practices aren’t strictly adhered to. I will provide a concise overview of the key legal considerations surrounding environmental protection in shipbreaking.