Best Admiralty & Maritime Lawyers in Singapore

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City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 1994
5 people in their team
English
Maurice Lee & Tan is a Singapore based boutique law firm founded in January 1994 by Maurice and Wee Nee. The firm provides curated legal services in wealth management and ancillary matters, delivering practical, business minded advice rather than a generic one size fits all approach. Its long...
Hilborne Law LLC
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 1951
English
Hilborne Law LLC traces its origins to 1951, when Kenneth Edward Hilborne founded the practice and the firm evolved through names such as Hilborne & Murphy and Hilborne & Chung. Over the decades it has grown into a medium sized law firm dedicated to providing quality and cost-efficient legal...
City Hall, Singapore

English
Esteem Law LLC, established in July 2023, is a Singapore-based law firm offering a comprehensive range of legal services. The firm's practice areas include commercial law, family law, civil litigation, and estate law. In commercial law, they assist businesses with contract drafting, negotiation,...
UEMS Solutions Pte Ltd
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 1988
English
UEMS Solutions Pte Ltd, established in 1988, is a leading Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) company in Singapore, offering a comprehensive suite of services that encompass both technical maintenance and support functions. The firm's expertise spans various sectors, including healthcare,...
CITY LAW LLC
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2012
25 people in their team
English
City Law LLC is a Law Corporation incorporated in Singapore since 2012 and duly approved and endorsed by Singapore Law Society/Ministry of Law. The firm presents itself as a One Stop Service for all your Legal Requirements and operates with four practicing lawyers and more than 20 experienced...
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2020
English
Niroze Idroos LLC is a boutique law firm based in Singapore that specialises in both litigation and corporate work. The firm is led by Niroze Idroos, a triple qualified lawyer admitted to practise in Singapore, Australia and Sri Lanka, whose international perspective informs its handling of complex...
RHTLaw Asia
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2011
90 people in their team
English
RHTLaw Asia is a Singapore headquartered regional law firm offering multidisciplinary capabilities across Intellectual Property & Technology, Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate and Corporate & Commercial matters. The firm advises multinational corporations, banks and local businesses on...
ChangAroth Chambers LLC
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2014
English
ChangAroth Chambers LLC is a Singapore based Advocates and Solicitors focused on conflict avoidance and Appropriate Dispute Resolution across civil, commercial and criminal matters. Established on 1 July 2014, the firm operates across the Asia Pacific region and provides arbitration, mediation,...
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2014
English
JC Law Asia LLC is a Singapore based Advocates & Solicitors firm led by Mr Joseph Chai. The firm provides precise legal solutions drawing on extensive experience in cross border and domestic matters, including arbitration, corporate transactions, commercial and civil litigation, criminal law and...
Ghows LLC
City Hall, Singapore

Founded in 2019
7 people in their team
English
Ghows LLC is a Singapore-based boutique law firm specialising in technology, intellectual property and data privacy. The firm is widely recognised by major legal directories, including The Legal 500 as a leading firm from 2019 to 2025 and Chambers & Partners as a ranked firm from 2023 to 2025,...
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About Admiralty & Maritime Law in Singapore

Admiralty and Maritime law in Singapore governs legal issues that arise on the sea and other navigable waters. Being a top maritime hub, Singapore has a well-developed body of maritime law that addresses a range of maritime matters including shipping disputes, maritime contracts, environmental regulations, and shipping finance. The Singapore Admiralty Court is a specialist court that handles such matters, ensuring swift and fair resolutions to maritime disputes. The country's strategic location and robust legal framework make it a favorite jurisdiction for maritime cases in Asia.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

There are various situations where individuals or companies may require legal assistance in Admiralty & Maritime law:

  • Disputes over cargo damage or loss during transit.
  • International shipping contract negotiations and enforcement.
  • Arrests of ships related to payment or service disputes.
  • Accidents at sea, including vessel collisions and personal injuries.
  • Compliance with international maritime regulations and environmental laws.
  • Ship financing and mortgage issues.
  • Maritime insurance claims and related disputes.

Local Laws Overview

Singapore’s legal framework for Admiralty & Maritime law is deeply rooted in English law traditions but is adapted to fit regional necessities:

  • Merchant Shipping Act: Regulates local and foreign vessels operating in Singapore’s waters, focusing on safety and regulations.
  • High Court (Admiralty Jurisdiction) Act: Provides the legal basis for the proceedings in the Admiralty Court, covering enforcement actions like the arrest of vessels.
  • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulations: These govern port operations, ship management practices, and maritime safety.
  • Environmental laws: Ensure sustainable shipping practices, addressing pollution and ecological impacts of maritime operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the process to arrest a ship in Singapore?

To arrest a ship, you must file a writ of summons and affidavit with the Singapore Admiralty Court, showing a prima facie case. Once granted, the authorities will detain the vessel until the matter is resolved.

2. How are cargo disputes typically resolved?

Cargo disputes are often solved through arbitration or mediation, facilitated by agreements between shipping parties. The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) offers relevant services.

3. Can foreign entities file maritime claims in Singapore?

Yes, Singapore courts are internationally recognized for their maritime jurisdiction and foreign entities frequently use them for resolving disputes due to neutral laws and efficient processes.

4. How does Singapore handle oil pollution from ships?

Singapore enforces the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, which aligns with international conventions to manage oil discharges and hold ship owners accountable for pollution.

5. Is it necessary to register foreign ships in Singapore?

No, but foreign ships must comply with international maritime conventions for operation in Singapore waters and ports.

6. What are the common challenges in maritime arbitration?

Challenges include enforcing arbitration awards and coordinating international legal systems, but Singapore’s legal environment minimizes these issues through supportive arbitration laws.

7. Who oversees maritime safety in Singapore?

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) regulates maritime safety, ensuring vessels meet international and national safety standards before operations.

8. How are maritime injuries compensated?

Compensation is generally sought through personal injury claims where the court assesses claims based on negligence and compliance with safety regulations.

9. What is a ship mortgage?

A ship mortgage is a secured loan using the ship itself as collateral. Singapore laws recognize and enforce such financial agreements.

10. Are there environmental law requirements for ships in Singapore?

Yes, ships must comply with international maritime environmental standards, including ballast water management and emission controls, enforced by Singapore law.

Additional Resources

Here are some valuable resources for those in need of Admiralty & Maritime legal advice:

  • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) - for regulations and port matters.
  • Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) - for dispute resolution services.
  • Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration (SCMA) - specialized maritime arbitration.
  • Law Society of Singapore - for finding qualified maritime lawyers.
  • Singapore Shipping Association (SSA) - supports shipping businesses with compliance and advocacy.

Next Steps

If you find yourself needing legal assistance in Admiralty & Maritime matters, consider the following steps:

  • Identify the specific legal issue you are facing and gather relevant documentation.
  • Consult with a solicitor who specializes in Admiralty & Maritime law to explore legal options.
  • Engage in initial consultations with a few lawyers to better understand their approach and expertise.
  • Keep updated with maritime laws, policies, and best practices through reputable maritime bodies and legal updates.

Legal matters can be complex, so seeking qualified legal assistance early can be crucial in safeguarding your rights and interests in maritime issues.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Singapore through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Admiralty & Maritime, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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