Maritime Compliance

Represented an owner/operator of a large fleet of tanker vessels engaged in fishing vessel replenishment operations in the Pacific Ocean. Defended the client in an initial U.S. Coast Guard onboard criminal investigation and eventual U.S. Department of Justice prosecution of alleged environmental crimes, including illegal discharges of oily bilge waste from vessels calling at Hawaii and the presentation of an allegedly false Oil Record Book in Honolulu. Negotiated a favorable plea agreement and Environmental Compliance Program with the U.S. government on behalf of the client.

Advised a port operator on the formation of a joint port development authority (one of the first of its kind) with another port operator, resulting in one of the largest cargo gateways in the United States. Advised on the structuring of the joint venture between two public port authorities, including research, tax advice, legislative assistance, open meetings assistance, public finance advice, drafting, negotiating terms, employment terms, integration advice, and regulatory issues for the Federal Maritime Commission.

Advised an Oregon-based company in the maritime industry engaged in shipbuilding and repair and complex fabrication in its sale to two private equity firms. The transaction was part of a combined purchase of both our client and a Virginia-based major marine repair and conversion contractor. The transaction involved several key issues that added to the complexity of the negotiations, including issues relating to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the Jones Act, the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, pensions, unions, and government contracting.

Represented a world leader in the transportation of dry cargo in extensive negotiations with the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control, which alleged that our client violated the Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators Sanctions Regulations, resulting in successful settlement. 

Advised one of the largest cruise lines in the world with respect to the US regulation of its fleet and its US flag operations.

Represented a publicly traded company and one of the largest domestic U.S. shipping companies on new-build contracts, environmental compliance matters, and vessel acquisition and financing transactions.