Farinon, Carvalho da Silva & Advogados Associados' 'knowledge of the ins and outs of the shipping industry is second to none'. It has an excellent track record in shipping and maritime law, having been a mainstay of the market since the early 1970s. The Porto Alegre-based firm is largely focused on admiralty law, including salvage and pollution matters; the firm is notably strong in environmental law. Marine insurance claims and charterparty and bill of lading disputes are also areas of strength. The firm's lead partners are all key figures in the market. Founding partners Roberto Farinon and Ruy Fernando Carvalho da Silva retain active practices, with fellow partner José Augusto Mendes Marques especially focused on marine casualties and P&I matters.
Transport: Shipping in Brazil
Farinon, Carvalho da Silva & Advogados Associados
Practice head(s):
Roberto Farinon; José Augusto Mendes Marques
Testimonials
‘Multidisciplinary team, with training in sea, port and customs law. We often use the firm’s assistance with regard to cases involving protection coverage and indemnification (R&I).’
‘We have no need to look anywhere else than Farinon. Their knowledge of the ins and outs of the shipping industry is second to none. It seems there is no area of the industry that they cannot excel in.’
‘This law firm has built a reputation in Brazil for expert, trusted legal advice on all aspects of shipping law and their commitment and personal approach to each client’s specific needs are highly appreciated by our company. Although it is a “boutique” law firm, they have been able to effectively handle a variety of matters to our company and meet all our legal needs as our business evolved, such as shipping, commercial, labour and tax matters.’
‘José Augusto Mendes Marques is an exceptional lawyer. His advice is always succinct and on point. In matters of litigation, José has the ability to read the landscape and predict the direction his opposition will take. José always gets the desired result.’
‘Roberto Farinon is perhaps one of Brazil’s most admired lawyers in the shipping sector and is known for his in-depth knowledge in Maritime Law. Ruy Fernando Carvalho da Silva is also an experienced and well-respected lawyer in the market for his litigation skills and deep expertise in shipping, civil and contractual matters.’
Key clients
Steamship Mutual Management (Bermuda)
Steamship Insurance Management Services Limited
SMIT SALVAGE
Bulkhaul Limited
Boskalis Do Brasil Dragagem E Serviços Marítimos
Frota de Petroleiros do Sul
SINDOP RG (Association of Port Operators of Rio Grande, RS)
Nexus Gerenciamento De Pátios
Saam Towage
Work highlights
- Advised Smit Salvage throughout the salvage operations of M/V “Stellar Banner”, after the vessel was beached having departed from Ponta da Madeira, Brazil.
- Provided legal assistance to the owners of the barge “PIRATINI”, and also acted as spokesperson and media contact after the vessel collided with an elevating bridge.
Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados
Kincaid | Mendes Vianna Advogados has a comprehensive, market-leading shipping practice, offering advice on wet and dry shipping matters. The firm represents a mix of shipowners, charterers, P&I clubs and terminal and port operators. Areas of expertise include admiralty claims as well as high-profile charterparty and bill of lading disputes. On the non-contentious side, the firm regularly advises on shipbuilding and financing agreements, as well as charter and salvage contracts. The well-regarded team is largely based in Rio de Janeiro, with Godofredo Mendes Vianna, Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso, Iwam Jaeger and Lucas Leite Marques all enjoying strong reputations. Newer partners such as Rodrigo Figueiredo da Silva Cotta are also singled out for praise.
Practice head(s):
Camila Mendes Vianna Cardoso; Godofredo Mendes Vianna; Iwam Jaeger
Testimonials
‘Great support and knowledge related to maritime transport, both in relation to the cargoes transported as well as to the navigation and port terminals. The team of lawyers is always updated with respect to standards and projects related to the practical activities and enjoys excellent respect with the authorities.’
‘Lucas Leite Marques, Rodrigo Cotta, Rodrigo Dalhe, Godofredo and Camila Mendes Vianna are always available to provide assistance, have deep knowledge of the maritime area, and act diligently to meet and protect the interests and rights of their clients.’
Key clients
TMS Offshore
Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz
CBO
Otto Candies
Marlin Navegação
CMA – CGM
CELBA – Centrais Elétricas de Barcarena
Hornbeck Offshore Services
Maersk Brasil
Aliança Navegação e Logística
Farstad Shipping Asa
Work highlights
- Advising Otto Candies on a lawsuit filed against Petrobras, concerning the non-payment of daily rates to clients due to the absence of the respective Chartering Authorisation Certificates (CAAs).
- Assisting CELBA in regulatory licensing for the GNL regasification terminal it is developing to supply natural gas to its thermal power plant.
- Representing TMS Offshore in a dispute with Petrobras concerning the early termination of a charter contract.
Escritório Jurídico Carbone
Escritório Jurídico Carbone is a well-regarded maritime boutique with significant links to the shipping market. Based in Rio de Janeiro, it represents P&I clubs, shipowners, and trading and salvage companies on the full range of matters. Artur Carbone is a significant figure in the market.
Castro Barros Advogados
Castro Barros Advogados is highlighted for its 'great capacity in litigation' and 'very thorough and accurate advice'. The firm is a popular choice with shipowners, insurers, reinsurers and port operators. The versatile team handles the full spread of contentious and non-contentious issues, including shipbuilding and charter party contracts, as well as advising on regulatory matters. The team is also well versed in cross-border wet and dry shipping disputes. Olympio Carvalho leads the department, and has strong connections to the industry, both at home and abroad. Other key members of the team include highly rated associate Camilla Werneck and Alexandre Espínola Catramby, who also has a good name for related litigation matters.
Practice head(s):
Olympio Carvalho
Testimonials
‘Extensive experience with other players in the shipping industry. The firm has always made more than one professional available and with this the discussions advanced more quickly.’
‘Great capacity in litigation and international experience. High quality professionals, with very well prepared professionals. Great knowledge of the peculiarities of the navigation market. Excellent customer service.’
‘Castro Barros are able to provide very thorough and accurate advice. Straight to the point and very practical.’
‘Olympio Carvalho – he provides prompt, well thought out advice.’
‘Camilla Werneck excels in the team, always proposing great solutions to our problems.’
‘Alexandre Catramby is a great litigator, with experience in maritime processes.’
Key clients
Brasbunker Participações
Mizuho Sangyo
Navigators Syndicate 1221 at Lloyd’s
Golar Spirit UK
Daiichi Chuo Kisen Kaisha
Norte Marine Indústria, Reparos e Operações Fluviais
Canpotex Shipping Services
Export Import Bank of India
Fugro Brasil Serviços Submarinos e Levantamentos
MUFG Bank – The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ
Shipowners P&I Club
Work highlights
- Representing Canpotex in a lawsuit brought by RSA Royal & Sunalliance Brazil (a cargo insurer, currently Seguros Sura) in relation to an alleged cargo shortage.
- Acting as Brasbunker’s counsel in seven of its largest charter-related lawsuits against Petrobras.
- Representing Mizuho in a lawsuit brought by Chubb Brazil related to damage to cargo arising from a shipping accident in Singapore.
Mattos Filho
Mattos Filho, Veiga Filho, Marrey Jr. e Quiroga Advogados has an impressive shipping practice, which is particularly active on the transactional side, often advising on the sale and acquisition of assets and companies. The practice is led by the well-regarded Nilton Mattos, who handles a mix of corporate, regulatory and contractual matters. The team sits within the wider infrastructure and energy group and brings a holistic approach to clients in various stages of the supply chain, particularly in oil and gas, from the terminals and ports through to the ships.
Key clients
AKOFS
CBO
Compass
Comgás
Ferroport
Fiat (FCA Latam)
Elcano
Hidrovias do Brasil
Hydro
IBP
Maersk Supply Services (MSS)
Oceanpact
PetroRio
Petrochina
SBM Offshore
Valaris
Work highlights
- Advised CBO in reviewing and negotiating a partnership contract with Wartsila for the installation of a battery pack for hybrid propulsion in CBO Flamengo, Latin America’s first hybrid vessel upgrade project.
- Assisted Hidrovias do Brasil in its IPO process, which raised R$3.4bn.
- Assisting IBP in the discussions related to the Bill of Law for cabotage “BR do Mar”.
Pedro Calmon Filho & Associados (PCF&A)
Well-regarded maritime boutique Pedro Calmon Filho & Associados (PCF&A) has established a strong standing in the market, and is noted for its advice to P&I clubs. Pedro Calmon Neto and Henrique Oswaldo Motta are the two main contacts.
Promare | Rabb Carvalho Advocacia
Promare | Rabb Carvalho Advocacia is a well-regarded maritime boutique based in Fortaleza in the northeast of Brazil. The firm has clients from across the country, including shipowners and operators, which it represents in wet and dry shipping disputes, as well as in environmental, personal injury and labour claims. Clients also benefit from a 24/7 emergency response team that has substantial experience in maritime accidents, ship arrests and cargo damage. Senior partner Larry Carvalho enjoys a good reputation. Other key partners include Mariana Félix, who handles labour issues and work-related accidents.
Practice head(s):
Larry Carvalho
Testimonials
‘They are always available for me when I need them and I need them a lot, because I always want to make sure I am well positioned if there is litigation. Its good to have them by my side because they not only know the law but also know how everything works, how the market thinks, and market updates and insights.‘
‘Larry Carvalho has a full vision and knows what is necessary to get the job done. I have never lost a case with them.’
‘The office is a top-notch boutique that operates across the entire shipping spectrum, with deep experience and pro-business thinking. The office represents a wide range of high-profile clients on complex issues. Particularly recognised for its ability to handle sophisticated disputes arising from charter contracts and other industry-specific agreements, both at the judicial and administrative level.’
‘Larry Carvalho is one of the lawyers who has the most knowledge of the shipping market and the area of Maritime Law in Brazil! Jeová Costa Lima Neto has wide analytical power, like few others. We are very calm when he is assisting our court case. Mariana Félix has enormous knowledge in the port and maritime areas.‘
‘Very prepared and proactive team. They are always up to date with market updates, laws and regulations.’
‘This firm attends my company in shipping litigation and arbitration – they count with a highly specialised and qualified team and are available on a 24/7 basis.’
Key clients
Galaxia Marítima
Aliança Navegações
The Standard
UK Club
Happag Lloyd
Thomas Miller (Hellas)
Aeris
SP Combustíveis
Marimar
Fertilizantes Tocantins
Aço Cearense
Transglobal
Gard
American P&I Club
Shipowners P&I Club
APM Containers
Work highlights
- Advising Galaxia Maritima on a dispute concerning an operation agreement for six vessels in the Brazilian oil and gas industry.
- Advising SP Combustiveis on a $12m demurrage charge.
- Representing Marimar in several lawsuits against Petrobras.
Shipping Consultoria
Shipping Consultoria is a good choice for maritime law disputes, casualty claims and customs issues. The firm has a good following from clients across the market, including P&I clubs, agents, shipyards and trading companies. Key partners include Fernando Porto Filho and Antonio Francisco Sobral Sampaio.
Siano & Martins Advogados Associados
Siano & Martins Advogados Associados is led by highly regarded founding partners Fabiana Simões Martins and Luiz Roberto Leven Siano. The Rio de Janeiro-based firm advises on a broad range of issues, including casualty, cargo loss and damage, salvage and maritime pollution. The firm acts for several leading shipowners and P&I clubs.
Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados
Vieira, Rezende, Barbosa e Guerreiro Advogados has an experienced department focused on the shipping and offshore market. The shipping side of the practice is led by Bernardo Mendes Vianna, who has impressive credentials in admiralty and dry shipping disputes. He also offers strong support on charter and transportation agreements, as well as related regulatory issues. The offshore side is led by Daniela Ribeiro Davila, a key figure in the oil and gas market with over 20 years of experience. Her expertise extends to offshore oil development projects and related maritime matters. Joyce Jacobsen is also noted for her expertise in offshore and regulatory matters. The firm’s strategic alliance with Norway’s Wikborg Rein gives it an edge in international issues. Since publication, Jacobsen has left for Tauil & Chequer Advogados - with effect from November 2021.
Practice head(s):
Bernardo Mendes Vianna; Daniela Ribeiro Davila
Key clients
Posidonia Shipping & Trading
Fertimar Mineração e Navegação
Odfjell Terminals
Amaggi Navegação
Bunge
Sistac – Sistemas de Acesso
The Meco Group (Carina) P&I Club
Gard P&I Club
DNV-GL
TPAR – Terminal Portuário de Angra dos Reis
Work highlights
- Representing Granel Quimica in a dispute with BCI Brasil China Importadora e Distribuidora over a contract to build and operate a storage terminal within the Santos port area in Alemoa.
- Representing Odfjell Terminals in a dispute with Tricon Energy and others over a contract to build and operate a storage terminal.
- Representing Gard/Ocyan in the fallout from a fatal accident on the drillship Norbe VIII (NS-32), which was chartered to Petrobras.
Cescon, Barrieu, Flesch & Barreto Advogados
Cescon Barrieu's shipping practice works out of the firm's infrastructure and project finance group. The bulk of its work is non-contentious, and the team is well regarded for its dry shipping contractual expertise, covering financings, shipbuilding and charter agreements. The firm also acts for several drilling contractors on offshore mandates involving shipyards and oil companies. Rafael Baleroni leads the offshore, shipping and maritime practice, with the highly rated Maurício Teixeira dos Santos handling the infrastructure and project finance side.
Practice head(s):
Mauricio Teixeira dos Santos; Rafael Baleroni
Testimonials
‘Excellent pro-active and experienced team – one of our go-to firms in Brazil.’
‘Mauricio dos Santos is highly experienced and gives very well considered legal advice within a strong understanding of the commercial background. Rafael Baleroni is also very clear in his advice.’
‘We work mainly with Rafael Baleroni and Mauricio Santos. They are both highly sophisticated and very responsive practitioners of the highest order.’
Key clients
Bourbon Offshore Marítima
Magni Partners
Oceanpact Serviços Marítimos
Empresa de Navegação Elcano
Seadrill Limited
ING Bank
ABN AMRO Bank
Kookmin Bank
Nonghyup Bank
The Export-Import Bank of Korea
Industrial Bank of Korea
The Korea Development Bank
Credit Agricole Asia Shipfinance
Work highlights
- Advising Magni Partners, through its subsidiary Knarr Drilling, on the distressed leveraged acquisition of four drilling rigs in Sete Brasil’s judicial reorganisation.
- Representing Norskan Offshore, a Brazilian subsidiary of the DOF Group, in a lawsuit against Petrobras regarding an offshore accident.
- Advised Oceanpact on its expected R$1bn IPO and on two secured debenture offers.
Pinheiro Neto Advogados
Pinheiro Neto Advogados invariably has a strong offering on the non-contentious side. The team regularly advises shipowners, banks and port operators on the full spread of transactional matters, including financings, shipbuilding agreements and joint ventures. Partners such as Marcello Lobo and Ricardo Coelho are particularly active on this front. The firm also stands out on the litigation side, thanks to the expertise of Luis Claudio Furtado Faria, who comes highly recommended for representing clients in shipping disputes, including those involving charterparty claims and maritime incidents.
Testimonials
‘Pinheiro Neto provides a quality service to its clients. The differential is its business organisation, which meets various areas of law and, with this, allows to give the client a broader view of the issues.’
‘The team has real perception of the industry and is very responsive to the legal questions that are presented to them.’
‘Extremely skilled in all areas and with increasing activity in the areas of shipping / maritime law.’
‘Luiz Claudio Furtado Faria has great expertise in maritime law, a focus on results and is extremely dedicated to the causes in which he operates.’
Key clients
Subsea 7 do Brasil Serviços
Mineração Rio do Norte
Saipem do Brasil Serviços de Petróleo
Oldendorff Carriers
Mineração Rio do Norte
Itaú BBA
Modec
Sistac Sistemas de Acesso
IFC – International Finance Corporation
KfW Group
Work highlights
- Advised Oldendorff Carriers on all issues linked to the salvage operation for the Stellar Banner, a beached vessel carrying 300,000 tonnes of iron ore.
- Instructed by Subsea 7 to develop a plan to keep the commercial operation of the company’s vessels throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
- Advised Saipem do Brasil Serviços de Petróleo on an investigation into a fire that occurred on the FPSO Cidade de Vitória, belonging to Saipem SPA and chartered to Petrobras.
Advocacia Rocha Baptista
Advocacia Rocha Baptista represents a broad range of shipping clients, including shipowners, insurers, agents and freight forwarders. The boutique is well regarded for its disputes practice, where it regularly advises on cargo claims and ship arrests. Arthur Rocha Baptista is one of the main contacts.
Veirano Advogados
Veirano Advogados has an experienced team, particularly for offshore maritime related advice. Its workload often involves advising domestic and international clients on charter and transportation agreements. Clients come from across a broad spectrum including major international lenders, multilateral agencies, shipowners and ship yards. The bulk of the work is non-contentious, and Rio de Janeiro-based practice head Marcelo Mattos is especially active in ship finance for vessels and the construction of oil platforms and shipyards. Rogério Campos is also noted for his expertise in this area, which covers maritime regulatory and offshore oil and gas matters.
Practice head(s):
Marcelo Mattos; Rogerio Campos
Key clients
Safe STS
SBM Offshore (SBM)
DVB Bank SE
Nordic Trustee & Agency
DNB Bank
Compagnie Maritime Monegasque International CMM)
South32
Yinson Production
NIBC Bank
ING Bank
Subsea 7
Work highlights
- Acted as counsel to DVB Bank as existing facility agent for the finance parties under a senior secured facility agreement (SSFA) entered into with UP Offshore.
- Acted as counsel to Yinson Production since it first arrived in Brazil on a wide variety of issues, ranging from regulatory and corporate to tax.
- Advised South32 in relation to a long term cabotage project for Bauxite transportation/shipping, to be developed by ALUMAR, a joint venture formed between mining companies Alcoa, South 32 and Rio Tinto.