Next Generation Partners

Shipping and transport in Denmark

Bech-Bruun

Bech-Bruun acts on prominent mandates in the sector, handling both wet and dry shipping matters including bunker disputes, S&P and refinancing work, alongside contentious matters. The group also fields a dedicated cross-border insolvency shipping team in order to handle large-scale and complex insolvencies in the shipping industry. Practice group head Johannes Grove Nielsen comes highly recommended as ‘a clear leader in his field’ and is an expert in damages, commercial disputes and insolvency matters. Nielsen has also recently spent time representing shipping lines and crew management companies in relation to the Russian-Ukrainian War. ‘SuperstarCamilla Søgaard Hudson advises on the full spectrum of maritime, transport and insurance law.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Grove Nielsen


Other key lawyers:

Camilla Søgaard Hudson; Louise Lundsby Wessel


Testimonials

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is a hands-on and solution-oriented shipping lawyer.’

‘Leading team in Denmark with exceptional international capabilities. First-class knowledge, not only in shipping law, but all legal aspects related to shipping, such as environmental regulation and its impact on shipping. As part of Denmark’s leading full service firm, the team is capable of advising on all aspects of business law for their shipping clients.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is not only an exceptionally good shipping lawyer, he is also very good at taking into account the business aspects and to tailor his advice accordingly. Number one in Denmark.’

‘Camilla Søgaard Hudson is clearly the best of the younger generation in the market.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is a clear leader in his field.’

‘Exceptional team and first-class service.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is with no doubt the leading figure in the country, a true eminence in the field and the first port of call in Denmark.’

‘Camilla Søgaard Hudson is a superstar.’

Key clients

MAN Energy Solutions


GARD


Remontowa Shiprepair Yard


SKULD


Kuehne & Nagel A/S


A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S


Monjasa


Codan Insurance


ADM


Oxymat A/S


Evergreen Marine Corporation (Taiwan) Limited


MS Amlin Marine


Hamborg Offshore AHT “Pegasus” GmbH & Co


Tryggingamiðstöðin hf (“TM”)


Work highlights


  • Representing Evergreen Marine Corporation in a matter before the Danish High Maritime and Commercial Court against Maersk A/S and others.
  • Representing Hamborg Offshore AHT “Pegasus” GmbH & Co in litigation relating to the arrest of the vessel PEGASUS in the port of Aalborg, which resulted in the High Court of Western Denmark setting aside the arrest.

Gorrissen Federspiel

Gorrissen Federspiel represents major Danish and international ship-owners, shipyards and ports, airlines, aircraft lessors, industry investors and financiers and insurance companies on a broad suite of matters, including wet and dry shipping mandates. Practice head Peter Appel handles large transactions, financing deals and establishing operations abroad, as well as being a key name for shipping litigation. Morten Hans Jakobsen advises on aviation, air finance and ship financing, as well as work relating to leasings, purchases and regulatory issues. At the associate level, Thomas Edelgaard Christensen's practice encompasses litigation and arbitration arising out of the shipping, port, maritime construction and other maritime industries.

Practice head(s):

Peter Appel


Other key lawyers:

Morten Hans Jakobsen; Morten Berggreen; Johan Casper Hennings; Thomas Edelgaard Christensen


Testimonials

‘The shipping, offshore and transportation group at Gorrissen Federspiel is widely recognised as being the premier shipping practice in town. They are especially strong within transactional work including ship sale and purchase, newbuilding projects, ship finance and corporate shipping work and handles mandates for most Danish shipowners.’

‘Morten Hans Jakobsen is our go-to when it comes to complex transactional and corporate work.’

‘Peter Appel is highly knowledgeable, with a great global network and a commercial understanding.’

‘Morten Hans Jakobsen has always been extremely prompt, knowledgeable and solution-oriented.’

‘Johan Casper Hennings assist us with more traditional maritime law and is especially experienced in sale and purchase of ships.’

‘With their wide knowledge, experience and mastery in shipping, they are second to none in this segment in the Danish market.’

‘Peter Appel is the go-to person, but holds a very fine team to help with any size of matter or transaction.’

‘They are prompt and cost-efficient, while being knowledgeable and results-oriented to find quick and practical solutions.’

Key clients

A.P. Moeller Maersk A/S (including subsidiaries, such as Maersk A/S, Svitzer A/S, Maersk Oil Trading and Investments A/S and Maersk Air Cargo A/S)


A.P. Moeller Holding A/S (including subsidiaries, such as Maersk Tankers A/S, Maersk Product Tankers A/S, Maersk Supply Service and ZeroNorth A/S)


Hafnia Limited


Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S


Ultranav Group (including Ultrabulk A/S)


TORM A/S


DFDS A/S


Scandlines Group


A/S United Shipping & Trading Company


Navigare Capital Partners A/S


Navigator Holdings Ltd.


Stena Group


Celsius Shipping A/S


Esvagt A/S


Uni-Tankers A/S


Dee4 Capital Partners


Christiania Shipping


Cadeler A/S


Assuranceforeningen SKULD


Polar Seafood Greenland A/S


Fehmarn Belt Contractors A/S


Ulykkesforsikringsforbundet for Dansk Søfart


Borealis AG


SAS Scandinavian Airlines System


Air Greenland


Atlantic Airways


Sunclass Airlines (formerly Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia)


Airseven


Copenhagen AirTaxi


Work highlights


  • Assisted Marseille-based private equity firm Jaccar Holdings with a structured sales process worth USD 700 million for the divestment of Evergas, one of the world’s leading seaborne transporters of petrochemical gases and natural gas liquids.
  • Assisting Cadeler A/S in connection with an agreement to combine their business with Eneti Inc. The combination will result in the largest diversified fleet owned and operated by an offshore wind turbine and foundation installation company.
  • Assisting Maersk Tankers, operator of one of the largest tanker fleets in the world, on a new USD 150 million pool credit facility with Citi Bank, relating to the four pool’s working capital for improvement of cash flow for pool partners in a volatile and high tanker rate environment.

Hafnia Law Firm

Boutique shipping and transport firm Hafnia Law Firm acts on behalf of a robust client base in the sector that counts shipowners and shipyards, marine insurers, and suppliers in the international bunker industry. The team handles a full-range of specialist work, including conversion and shipbuilding issues, offshore construction work and repair contracts. Head of team Niels Jørn Friborg has over 20 years’ experience with both wet and dry transportation and offshore-related matters, advising on most aspects of shipping, transportation, insurance and offshore wind. Harald Søndergaard‘s practice emphasises the oil industry and bunker fuel trading. Andreas Oxholm receives frequent instructions from marine and cargo insurers, liability insurers and H&M insurers on both cover disputes and recovery matters.

Practice head(s):

Niels Jørn Friborg


Other key lawyers:

Henrik Thal Jantzen; Harald Søndergaard; Andreas Oxholm


Testimonials

‘Availability 24/7, in-depth knowledge of the matter, commercial orientated approach and proactive.’

‘The team is responsive, accessible, friendly and covers all areas within shipping and transport. The team has extensive experience in relation to cargo claims and insurance.’

‘The firm consistently continues to deliver and exceed expectations, no matter the extent of the matter at hand. The firm communicates clearly and consistently, meaning that as a client you are always kept up to date.’

‘Niels Jørn Friborg is always available and a pleasure to work with. He is highly solution-oriented, to the point, and never miss the bigger picture. Niels Jørn is very capable within cargo claims, liability, insurance and regulatory matter.’

‘Harald Søndergaard is thorough and pragmatic.’

‘Very knowledgeable especially within maritime law, quick response time. Good business understanding.’

‘Hafnia Law has a young and agile team. They focus on the core business and keep a very close relationship with their clients. Working with Hafnia is like being part of a family where everybody is making everybody shine. The is no I in team.’

‘Niels Jørn Friborg is a unique person whom I admire and have the deepest respect for. His support is second to none. In our businesses, he has the legal overview and is proactively advising us continuously to ensure that we are always in compliance.’

Key clients

Allseas


Baltic Shipping Company


Bladt Industries


Blue Water Shipping


British Marine


Bunker Holding


Chubb


CNA Hardy


Codan


DEME Offshore


DSV Panalpina


Falcon Maritime Group


Gard


Heerema


Hydor


If


Maersk Tankers


NKT


NTG


Oil Tanking Copenhagen


Royal Sun Alliance


Scan Global Logistics


SDK Shipping


Skuld


Spar Nord Bank


Stena Oil


Swedish Club


Taconic Capital


Thorco Projects


Tokio Marine


Torm


TT Club


Van Oord


Vattenfall


Wrist Ship Supply


Work highlights


  • Acting as litigation counsel to DSV Panalpina in litigation concerning high value loss of wind turbine generator components in a fire on board a vessel while discharging in New Zealand.
  • Acting as defence counsel to 28 non-EU seafarers indicted for violation of the Danish Foreigners.
  • Advising Danish shipowners in a potential MUSD 750 acquisition of Evergas.

DLA Piper Denmark

DLA Piper Denmark leverages its cross-border expertise to advise domestic and international clients in relation to traditional shipping and transport matters, including drafting, negotiation and preparation of shipping agreements and documents, terms of carriage, sale and purchase of vessels and ship finance, among others. Department head Henrik Kleis has over 35 years of experience in the industry and works closely with shipping lines, freight forwarder and Danish ports. Christian Benedictsen-Nislev's expertise extends across contracts of carriage and shipbuilding contracts, as well as financing, commercial contracts, public procurement and corporate transactions within the shipping and transport industry.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Kleis


Other key lawyers:

Christian Benedictsen-Nislev; Per Vestergaard Pedersen; Henrik Frandsen; Martin Juste


Testimonials

‘DLA Piper have very broad capabilities and are able to bring in the right people for the right job.’

‘The team are highly engaged in networking and knowledge-sharing activities in the maritime and transport business.’

‘Christian Benedictsen-Nislev and his team handles litigation in such an efficient manner and with great comfort for the client.’

‘They go the extra mile if needed and really know their stuff.’

‘Always quick and an efficient service.’

‘Christian Benedictsen-Nislev is second to none.’

‘Excellent communication and responsiveness.’

Key clients

The Ferry Secretariat


MSC Denmark A/S / MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.


The Port of Aarhus


IF Skadeforsikring


The Port of Kalundborg


DBB Dredging ApS


Martin Bencher (Scandinavia) A/S


Alba Tankers Aalborg ApS


The Port of Frederikshavn


Work highlights


  • Advised the owners of Martin Bencher (Scandinavia) A/S with the sale of all shares in Martin Bencher (Scandinavia) A/S and its foreign subsidiaries to Maersk Logistics & Services International A/S.
  • Assisting the Ferry Secretariat, on behalf of its 18 member municipalities operating more than 25 small to mid-size Danish ferries, with a public tender project which will fundamentally change the way in which public procurement and construction of ferries will take place over the coming decades. The project involves several innovative elements with respect to standardisation, green energy transition, technical support solutions and PPP, which has received substantial media focus.
  • Advising If Skadesforsikring who are cargo insurers for Vestas Denmark A/S. The matter arises out of a fire onboard the vessel “Kota Bahagia” at the Port of Napier, New Zealand in December 2020, resulting in severe damage to the cargo: various windmill parts to be installed by Vestas as a part of the Turitea II wind farm in New Zealand.

IUNO

IUNO works across the entire spectrum of contentious and non-contentious matters on behalf of a broad range of clients, including insurers, freight forwarders, shipowners, and airlines. Mads Poulsen and Aage Krogh lead the team, Poulsen works on both wet and dry shipping, as well as hull and ship repair issues, forwarding and road and air carriage, whilst Krogh specialises in aviation and freight forwarding law matters for international air carriers. Lars Rosenberg Overby departed the practice to join Bech-Bruun in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Mads Poulsen; Aage Krogh


Testimonials

‘We work with IUNO for its wide expertise in international road transport matters. They offer swift and reliable advice, and deep understanding of this field.’

‘Aage Krogh stands out for his professionalism and good communication.’

‘Commercially-minded team and has a good network.’

Key clients

Codan


J.A. Rederiet


Vestas


Döhle Assukuranzkontor


NordRep


Tryg


First Marine


Green Carrier


Link Logistics


Evervest


DHL Global Forwarding


Danish Association of Freight Forwarders


HDI


British Airways


DSV


Dechra Pharmaceuticals


Alandia


Work highlights


  • Acting for the defendants, Splitt Chartering ApS and Stema Shipping, which were sued in Denmark by RTE, who claims damages for the damage to its cable.
  • Assisted in unique transaction involving the carriage of the venerable fishing vessel THOR to the Florida Holocaust Museum.
  • Successfully defended Alandia and the insured shipowner’s interests from the early stages of a maritime inquiry through to settlement.

Kromann Reumert

Kromann Reumert’s broad practice covers all areas of shipping and transport law, including both contentious and transactional work, including sale and purchase of ships, building contracts and M&A transactions within the shipping industry, alongside ship financing and restructuring of shipping companies. Practice head Jakob Rosing specialises in a broad range of contentious matters, specifically those regarding marine and transport insurance. The ‘high calibre’ Thomas Kaas has over 26 years' experience advising on shipping mandates, focusing primarily on sale and purchase of ships, newbuilding contracts, tax leases and ship financing.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Rosing


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Kaas; Mette Riber Rasmussen


Testimonials

‘They work very well together as a team. They are always available and always bringing new ideas to the table to solve problems. I have worked seamlessly with the lawyers in Denmark and the UK in the same transaction.’

‘Thomas Kaas is a high calibre partner. It is an absolute pleasure to work with him. He is calm in a tense situation. His assessment of the interests of the various parties around a negotiation table are extremely useful to solve problems and conclude deals.’

‘Mette Riber Rasmussen is a fantastic lawyer.’

‘Jakob Rosing was extremely hands-on in communications concerning the matter and was very responsive to queries. His advice and recommendations were clear, effective, and pragmatic, and helped secure a successful outcome for the client.’

Key clients

Codan Insurance


If Skadeforsikring (If P&C Insurance)


Cadeler


SAS Cargo Group


Royal Arctic Line


Falcon Maritime


W.E. Cox Claims Group Limited


Lars Larsen Group


Royal Greenland


Fjord Line


Gjensidige Forsikring


F&H Group A/S


Danish Ship Finance


W K Webster & Co Ltd


SKULD


Ziton A/S


Danish P&I ApS


Musholm A/S


Saga Shipping A/S


Work highlights


  • Assisted Ziton A/S with the purchase of jack-up vessel GUO DIAN TOU 001.
  • Successfully represented British American Tobacco before the Supreme Court in a cargo claim matter in which the Supreme Court overturned decisions of the lower courts which had found that a direct claim against the carrier’s liability insurers was time barred.
  • Assisted hull & machinery underwriters If P&C Insurance with recourse claims following an engine explosion onboard the fishing vessel MUNIN which caused substantial damages to the vessel.

NJORD Law Firm

NJORD Law Firm is known in the domestic market for its shipping and transport sector expertise and particular focus on logistics and road transport, as well as the offshore industry. Practice head and pre-eminent shipping and transport lawyer Ulla Fabricius represents large transport and shipping companies and is vastly experienced at litigating high-profile civil and criminal lawsuits. At associate level, Lene Ishøj is a specialist for all things pertaining to international trade and transport.

Practice head(s):

Ulla Fabricius


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Ryhl; Lene Ishø; Peter Helby Petersen


Testimonials

‘Have had many years of work together with Ulla Fabricius and her team within transport law; they are highly skilled.’

‘A very honest and competent team.’

‘Ulla Fabricius is a highly qualified attorney.’

Key clients

Owners of EVERGIVEN


DFDS A/S


DSV A/S


DSV Air & Sea A/S


H. P. Therkelsen A/S


BHS Logistics A/S


Johs. Rasmussen, Svebølle A/S


Bring A/S / Posten Norway


Codan Forsikring A/S


Anders Nielsen & Co. A/S (“ANCO”)


Plesner

Plesner handles complex shipping and transport matters, including substantial bankruptcies, ship registrations and offshore installations. Niklas Korsgaard Christensen has extensive experience on major transportation projects, as well as in the harbour sector. He co-leads the practice in conjunction with Esben Kjær and Peter Fogh: Kjær is a go-to name in the public transport sector, whilst Fogh has vast experience regarding international shipping-related contracts concerning new building projects, ship financing and other types of financing.

Practice head(s):

Niklas Korsgaard Christensen; Esben Kjær; Peter Fogh


Testimonials

‘Very nice and diligent.’

Key clients

Flying Tiger Copenhagen (Zebra A/S)


Arriva


Siemens


Alstom


Metro Service


CPHI-Holding


Kalaallit Airports


Danske Bank


Citibank


Work highlights


  • Advisor to Kalaallit Airports regarding development and construction of three new airports in Greenland.
  • Advising Arriva Denmark A/S (the largest commercial player in the Danish public transportation sector), one of the largest players in bus transport in Denmark, and in addition it also operates in rail transport as one of the few commercial players in Denmark. Furthermore, Arriva operates the carsharing concept SHARE NOW in Denmark.
  • Represented Danske Bank on an amended and restated USD 214,050,000 secured term loan facility agreement for Uni-Tankers A/S.

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab is known for its litigation and arbitration work, instructed by Danish and foreign clients to act on contentious matters concerning the arrest of vessels, injunctions and other interim measures in the shipping and transport sector. The group’s transactional work also includes shipbuilding and repair contracts and sale and purchase of ships and registration. Practice head Jesper Windahl is praised as ‘highly skilled, very professional and always works efficiently’.

Practice head(s):

Jesper Windahl


Testimonials

‘The law firm is known to be one of the best firm in Denmark within transport law and related insurance.’

‘Jesper Windahl is a leading individual in Denmark in transport and related insurance, as well as litigation.’

‘A good outfit, with strong litigation capability.’

‘Jesper Windahl is responsive and has been involved in a number of important cases.’

‘The firm is highly experienced and specialised in transport law and shipping.’

‘We work primarily with Jesper Windahl, who is highly skilled, very professional and always works efficiently in his approach and finds solutions in the customer’s best interest.’

‘WSCO is a leading law firm which provides efficient, quick and great legal services to their clients. The way WSCO approaches the legal enquiries we send them is pragmatic and straight, focusing on what the client really needs in each particular situation.’

Key clients

Top Danmark Forsikring


Tryg


Freja Transport


Alpi Transport


CNA Hardy


Alm. Brand


Gjensidige


HDI


The Swedish Club


DB Schenker


Work highlights


  • Represented Top Danmark Forsikring in legal proceedings before the Maritime and Commercial Court of Copenhagen in a case concerning carrier liability for damage to electronic goods during transit from Hong Kong to Denmark.
  • Represented a Cyprus-registered shipowner in appeal proceedings before the Danish High Court against a Danish Charterer in a case concerning interpretation of a settlement agreement entered into between the parties.
  • Represented Top Danmark Forsikring in proceedings before the Maritime and Commercial Court in a dispute concerning coverage under a cargo insurance policy.

Andersen Partners

Andersen Partners acts on behalf of a varied client base of transport companies, insurers and underwriters on the entire spectrum of transport law. Department head Lissi Andersen Roost comes recommended for her ‘outstanding knowledge of transport law, the transport daily business and judicial system in Denmark’.

Practice head(s):

Lissi Andersen Roost


Testimonials

‘Andersen Partners is a trustworthy law firm, with a flawless performance on every case we ever handed to them. Great service but more importantly great results. They are honest regarding the possible outcome in accordance with the Danish judicial system and back it up with results.’

‘Lissi Andersen Roost has outstanding knowledge of transport law, the transport business and judicial system in Denmark. Great winning rate and a flawless performance on every case we ever worked on.’

‘We have full confidence of Lissi Andersen Roost’s work within transport law.’

‘Lissi Andersen Roost is professionally very competent, and responds to requests in a very timely manner.’

‘Working together with Lissi Roost is always a pleasure. She is exceptional skilled in transport law.’

Bruun & Hjejle

Bruun & Hjejle’s shipping department works across all aspects of shipping, offshore, transportation and infrastructure for both Danish and international clients. Purchase and sale of vessels, vessel maintenance, tender work, mortgages and loan restructuring processes are among the team’s core work. Gregers Gam spearheads the group and is praised for his ‘unmatched level of dedication’ when advising on shipping matters.

Practice head(s):

Gregers Gam


Testimonials

‘Dedication and professionalism stands out.’

‘Gregers Gam has a genuine interest in all aspects of transactions, while keeping to his legal professionalism.’

‘The team’s ability to represent the customer and solve complex problems with the best possible outcome is always above excellent. In addition, the tasks are solved quickly without hesitation and complications.’

‘Bruun & Hjejle consistently deliver outstanding results by approaching each case with precision and care. Their responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to simplify complex legal matters make them an invaluable resource for informed decision-making.’

‘Gregers Gam is an outstanding, extremely talented, and trustworthy legal professional, who upholds the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Gregers Gam approaches every case with an unmatched level of dedication, consistently going the extra mile to ensure that every aspect of the legal process is executed with precision and excellence.’

‘From the services we have received, there is a very engaged and competent approach that balances the legal aspects with the commercial needs of moving processes forward.’

‘The team is strong and has solid experience within shipping and transport. They are very much customer-oriented.’

‘Gregers Gam is a very dedicated practitioner. He has the helicopter perspective but never misses the details.’

Key clients

Molslinjen


SBJV


Cadeler


Work highlights


  • Advised Molslinjen A/S, Denmark’s largest domestic ferry operator, concerning all matters relating to the procurement of the new-built vessel “Express 5”, including matters relating to the construction and financing thereof.

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt

Advokatfirmaet Schjødt‘s Danish practice sits within the firm’s wider Nordic network and acts for a varied range of ship owners, shipyards, charterers, financial institutions and insurers. With particular expertise in transactional work, the group also excels in contentious work, commercial contracts, financings and commodities issues. Jens V. Mathiasen is the key contact in the practice, which also includes transactional specialists Christian Thiele and Caroline Bruyant Bonde.

Practice head(s):

Jens V. Mathiasen


Other key lawyers:

Christian Thiele; Caroline Bruyant Bonde


Testimonials

‘Strong industry experience in the Danish market.’

‘Jens V. Mathiasen – Second to none in shipping transactions in Denmark. Christian Thiele – Robust shipping experience and pleasant legal adviser.’

‘Jens V. Mathiasen is one of the best shipping transaction lawyers in the industry. He is hands on and knows the cases in detail himself.’

‘Schjødt is a relatively newly established law firm in Denmark and has attracted top notch shipping lawyers already.’

‘Christian Thiele’s practical knowhow is very high. Christian Thiele has many years experience working in-house and therefore has a very good understanding of both the legal and practical side of shipping and transport. This means that he is able to provide advice that is relevant and adjusted to the practical reality of the business.’

‘Jens Mathiasen is excellent at finding the right balance between being attentive to details, and moving things forward in shipping deals which are often time pressed.’

Key clients

Maersk/A.P. Møller – Mærsk


Dampskibsselskabet Norden


Esvagt


Scandlines


Orskov Yard


Weco Group (Weco Shipping, WecoTankers, Weco Bulk)


Dee4 Capital Partners


NTG Transport Group


Navigare Capital Partners


Copenhagen Commercial Platform


Work highlights


  • Advised Esvagt on the construction of a Service Operations Vessel in the US and the chartering of such vessel to Siemens Gamesa at coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project.
  • Advised Scandlines on the construction of a zero-emission freight ferry in Turkey.
  • Advised Archer Limited on its refinancing, which included a new senior 1st lien facility, a new 2nd lien bond, conversion of an outstanding convertible bond to equity and issuance of a new equity, including granting of security in multiple jurisdictions.