The global maritime industry powers world commerce, and India's role within it is expanding rapidly. With this growth comes a complex web of national and international regulations, from the Indian Ports Act to the Merchant Shipping Act, that demand specialized legal expertise.

At Khare Legal, we understand the unique pressures and opportunities of the maritime sector. We offer a full spectrum of legal services designed to support and protect your business, whether you are a shipowner, operator, or engaged in maritime trade.

Strategic solutions for the high seas

Our team provides strategic, commercially-focused advice on a broad range of maritime legal matters:

• Contractual Expertise: We handle the drafting, review, and negotiation of all essential shipping documents, including charter parties, bills of lading, and other maritime agreements, to protect your commercial interests.
• Dispute Resolution: We offer expert representation in litigation and arbitration for cargo disputes, salvage and towage claims, contract disputes, and injury claims. Our approach is always tailored to achieve the most favourable outcome for you.
• Salvage & Towage: We provide dedicated legal support for the recovery of vessels and goods, ensuring fair compensation and navigating the complexities of salvage claims.
• Regulatory Compliance: We guide you through the intricate landscape of national and international regulations, from vessel registration and port operations to environmental standards. Our proactive advice ensures your operations are always compliant, mitigating risk and avoiding costly penalties.

Our extensive experience in maritime law allows us to anticipate challenges and deliver practical, effective solutions. We are a team of professionals who are deeply embedded in the industry and committed to safeguarding your interests at every turn. Partner with us to navigate the complexities of maritime law with confidence, securing your operations and positioning your business for continued success.

Our Experience

• Currently representing crew members of MV Darshini Prem, seeking to claim unpaid crew wages for individuals abandoned on the vessel. The vessel was arrested, and successful repatriation of the crew was achieved.
• Represented sailors in multiple admiralty matters involving non-payment of wages, vessel arrest, and repatriation.
• Advised a ship operator in maritime claims against a vessel owner.
• Appeared for over 150 sailors (seafarers) against Jaisu Shipping to have them rescued from abandoned vessels in mid-sea, repatriation of them, and filing and getting their wages from court action. Auction sale of vessels. Arrest of vessels. The action was against around 30 vessels.
• Represented over 150 sailors in 17 cases involving the arrest of three vessels - MV PFA Brave, Courage, and Supplier - for non-payment of crew wages.
• Appeared for several ship chandlers against Jaisu for non-payment of monies and conducted commercial recovery actions.
• Represented Darya Ship Management in efforts to recover ship management and manning dues for managing seven vessels, with the claim amount totaling around USD 7 Million.
• Representing crew members of MT AEON and MT SOL in matters related to crew wages, repatriation, and vessel arrest.
• Represented a ship chandler against Abhyudaya bank concerning loan recoveries.
• Represented four seafarers from Ghana who were stranded on an abandoned vessel for eight years, successfully facilitating their repatriation through court action and vessel arrest.
• Provided counsel to Eisenmann India in their claim against Poclain Limited to recover outstanding amounts due.
• Represented MV Manak 1 to challenge its arrest due to ship management issues.
• Represented AK Ship Management in its defense against the arrest of MV Tug Shambhavi.
• Advised a seafarer against Wilhelmsmel Ship Management to secure his dues after being deemed unfit for sea service due to injuries sustained on a voyage.
• Represented Vedant Ship Management in the arrest of MV Tug Resco 1 due to non-payment of management dues.
• Acted as Counsel for Lily Maritimes against Kirloskar Brothers Limited in maritime arbitration proceedings, including challenges to the award and subsequent actions under Section 34 and Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act before the Bombay High Court.
• Acted as Counsel before the Supreme Court of India in the matter of the arrest of MV Geowave Commander, addressing the issue of vessel arrest due to non-payment of charter hire.
• Represented Sealinker, Areomarine, Oceanmarine, and Welmark against Swiber Offshore, a Singapore company, for the recovery of respective dues.
• Represented Mr. Arun Govil against Doordarshan in a commercial recovery arbitration.
• Represented the crew of MV Neel Kamal and Neel Akash in cases of non-payment of crew wages, leading to vessel arrests and repatriation efforts.
• Currently representing crew members of MV Malviya 30 in matters of crew wages.
• Currently representing crew members of GOL Offshore in matters of crew wages.
• Represented Darya Ship Management in efforts to recover ship management and manning dues for managing seven vessels, with the claim amount totaling around USD 7 Million.
• Representing FiveStar Chartering Limited in admiralty matters on a global scale.
• Advised 29-3 Holidays in an action against Jet Airways for the recovery of ticketing dues.
• Currently providing legal representation on behalf of M/s Vinsons (a partnership firm) in defense against an action initiated by the Mumbai Port Trust, concerning the assertion of stevedoring charges and modifications to regulatory provisions.
• Represented United Marine Services in a case against mv Halani 6, aimed at recovering outstanding amounts due for necessaries supplied to the vessel and its sister vessel.

Contact Khare Legal today to schedule a consultation and chart a course for success.