Boasting over three decades of experience in the shipping sector, Rio de Janeiro-headquartered boutique Shipping Consultoria provides legal support in the context of wet and dry matters to a stellar international client base of charterers, P&I clubs, shipowners, insurers, terminals, shipyards and traders. In addition to its solid performance in complex mandates concerning ship arrests, bills of lading, marine insurance, casualties and environmental liability, the practice is also often engaged in contractual and transactional matters, including ship finance and purchases. At the helm of the practice, Fernando Porto is especially sought out for his experience in charterparty, construction and insurance contracts. Fernando Porto Filho specialises in litigation, frequently acting in ship arrests, marine casualties and insurance claims. Cargos and bills of lading disputes are a core area of expertise for Luciano Luz, who is also retained by P&I Clubs in accidents and casualty matters.

Showcasing significant experience in dry and wet shipping matters, Castro Barros Advogados stands out for its strong track record in contentious cross-border work. The group, which often works in collaboration with the firm’s litigation, insurance, infrastructure and corporate practices, continues to be engaged by shipowners, insurers, shipyards and industry service providers, and has recently gained ground in the P&I club segment. Typical mandates range from ship arrests to maritime casualties, P&I claims, charterparty and cargo disputes, but the group is also well placed to handle transactions. The practice, whose ‘in-depth knowledge of maritime law‘ is rated by clients, is under the joint leadership of the ‘very prompt and commercially minded‘ Olympio Carvalho and Camilla Werneck, the latter of whom is a strong performer in shipping and transport disputes. Associate Ana Luiza Rizzo Cardoso specialises in dispute resolution in the shipping sector, including cases involving offshore oil and gas projects.

Based in Porto Alegre, boutique Farinon, Carvalho da Silva & Advogados Associados attracts instructions from the full array of shipping players, including P&I clubs, charterers, shipowners, salvage companies, and operators, among others. The firm is particularly well versed in mandates involving marine casualties and incidents, such as collisions, grounding and salvage claims. Roberto Farinon – ‘one of Brazil’s most admired lawyers in the shipping sector‘ – specialises in admiralty law, and often acts in salvage and pollution claims. The ‘well-respected‘ Ruy Fernando Carvalho Da Silva is singled out for his litigation skills and ‘deep expertise in shipping, civil and contractual matters‘. José Augusto Mendes Marques handles a variety of dry and wet shipping matters, including vessel arrests and releases, P&I issues and marine incidents.

Founded in Rio de Janeiro in 1962, Pedro Calmon Filho & Associados (PCF&A) is entirely devoted to shipping and maritime law. Domestic and international shipowners, P&I clubs, and energy companies routinely instruct the group in complex contentious matters. Noteworthy practitioners include Pedro Calmon Neto and Henrique Oswaldo Motta.

Dedicated to shipping and international trade, Promare | Rabb Carvalho Advocacia is home to a ‘highly qualified and experienced‘ team made up of practitioners who are active in both contentious and non-contentious shipping matters. Based in Fortaleza, the firm has notable strength in maritime litigation and arbitration proceedings, including those arising from collisions, grounding, pollution and contractual issues, acting on behalf of shipowners, insurers, export companies and port operators. Larry Carvalho – ‘a trusted advisor‘ rated for his cross-border capabilities – steers the group in several dry and wet shipping mandates, including the sale and purchase of vessels, charter contracts and regulatory issues. Mariana Félix focuses on labour disputes, while Jeová Costa Lima Neto excels in matters involving shipping accidents and casualties.

With offices in Rio de Janeiro, Santos and Paranaguá, shipping boutique Siano & Martins Advogados Associados offers legal support to shipowners and P&I clubs in a litany of dry and wet mandates, including maritime pollution issues, salvage, cargo loss and damage claims. Fabiana Simões Martins and Luiz Roberto Leven Siano are the main points of contact in the firm.

Noted for its ‘in-depth experience and knowledge of maritime law and the Brazilian court system‘, Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados provides ‘high quality‘ maritime law services. The firm, which is singled out for its presence in the oil and gas and offshore segments, is a popular choice for non-contentious matters, including charter and transportation agreements, cargo trading, insurance and regulatory issues, and litigation arising from collisions, marine incidents, pollution, and explosions. Practice head Bernardo Mendes Vianna is routinely retained by shipowners and P&I clubs seeking advice on wet shipping, most notably casualties, while Daniela Ribeiro Davila focuses on the oil and gas sector. Erika Feitosa Chaves possesses ‘solid experience in maritime litigation‘.

Established in April 2021, Garbois + Melo Advogados is entirely devoted to shipping, tax and dispute resolution matters, acting for a diverse client roster comprised of shipowners, oil and gas companies, offshore service providers, ports, terminals, international traders and insurers. The practice is ‘extremely experienced in shipping litigation‘ but is equally adept at advising on the purchase and sale of vessels, ship financings, registrations and charterparty agreements. With ‘a great knowledge of law, the market and operational issues‘, practice head Breno Garbois, a key contact for shipowners, concentrates on maritime disputes, including cargo claims, accidents, and oil spills. Covering both dry and wet shipping, Flavia Melo is regularly sought out by shipowners, offshore service providers and insurers in crisis management involving high-profile casualties.