Next Generation Partners

Rising Stars

Firms To Watch: Shipping and transport

Having recently expanded into the Danish market, Norwegian firm Advokatfirmaet Schjødt AS advises on shipbuilding contracts, financings and disputes, and assists a diverse client base of shipyards, ship designers and owners. Jens V. Mathiasen heads up the Copenhagen-based practice.

Shipping and transport in Denmark

Bech-Bruun

Bech-Bruun houses a ‘first-class practice‘ which handles the full range of issues, including international dispute resolution and mediation proceedings arising from dry and wet shipping matters; the firm is also known for its dedicated cross-border insolvency shipping team, giving it tremendous ‘strength in depth‘ across the shipping sector. The ‘exceptionally brightJohannes Grove Nielsen spearheads the practice and has notable contentious expertise and ‘exceptional knowledge‘ of commercial, insolvency and damages related disputes within shipping. Camilla Søgaard Hudson often provides ‘stellar’ advice to domestic and international P&I clubs, shipping companies and insurance companies on charterparty agreements and cargo transportation issues. Managing associate Louise Lundsby Wessel is also active in insurance-related work. Jes Anker Mikkelsen has since retired.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Grove Nielsen


Other key lawyers:

Camilla Søgaard Hudson; Louise Lundsby Wessel


Testimonials

‘Leading first-class practice, maintained and constantly developed. Bech-Bruun has real strength in depth across the shipping and marine insurance sectors, with a good and pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.’

‘You are sure to always receive first-class advice. Thorough legal analysis, pro-active approach, very short response time, clear reporting. The team provides fast and precise responses and are not afraid to make specific recommendations.’ 

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is exceptionally bright and knows the ins and outs of all aspects of shipping law. He is extremely service minded and has a great commercial understanding which brings the extra edge to his first-class advice.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is one of the outstanding Danish maritime lawyers. He has a profound knowledge of both the law and the sectors that he serves. His advice is direct and to the point. I unreservedly recommend him as one of the elder statesmen among Danish shipping lawyers.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is a very competent lawyer with a pragmatic approach to dispute resolution.  He is also very good at assimilating technical aspects of disputes.’

‘Camilla Søgaard Hudson is a future star, and her work is stellar. I have been involved in a matter that entailed complicated time and jurisdiction issues, where I was most impressed by her work.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen has a calm and confident approach to matters, combined with exceptional knowledge and his smart procedural moves are very reassuring and we will not hesitate to provide them with further business or recommend them to others.’

‘Both Johannes Grove Nielsen and Camilla Søgaard Hudson are excellent ambassadors of the firm. One feels the matter to be in good hands in all respects. Would like to highlight Johannes, who has great insight in complex issues – both from a legal and commercial point of view.’

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


Haltbakk Bunkers AS


Gorrissen Federspiel

Gorrissen Federspiel hosts a team which is ‘second-to-none in terms of knowledge‘ of shipping and aviation mandates, providing domestic and international ship owners, airlines and industry investors with a ‘high-quality, one-stop shop‘ for transactions, disputes, and regulatory matters. Peter Appel leads the team and handles transactional and financing deals as well as the establishment of overseas operations, while Morten Hans Jakobsen often advises on ship and aviation financing and leasing work. Morten Berggreen uses his knowledge of financial and commercial matters to act for corporates and global industry associations, and senior legal counsel Thomas Edelgaard Christensen advises P&I insurers, dredging companies and large vessel owners on cable damage cases and marine casualty work.

Practice head(s):

Peter Appel


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘The team is second to none in terms of knowledge, commercial understanding, speed. They have truly international perspective within shipping industry. No doubt they are the strongest shipping and transport team in Denmark with exceptional industry knowledge and reach. A high-quality, one-stop shop covering all the client’s needs.’

‘Gorrissen Federspiel is professional and offers good legal advice. Great shipping knowledge, strong team with vast knowledge of all aspects of the shipping sector.’

‘The shipping team is strong and a pleasure to work with, they are very agile and commercial minded. Their knowledge and understanding of the industry and the regulators make them a first choice for shipping transactions. The team consists of high quality professionals who provide an exceptional level of service.’

‘Morten Berggreen and Johan Hennings are both excellent in all areas of maritime law. High quality professionals with both a commercial, legal and operational understanding of industry challenges.’

Key clients

A.P. Moeller Maersk A/S


Maersk Tankers A/S


Hafnia Limited


Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S


Ultranav Group


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 A/S


Havtrygd Gjensidig Forsikring


Assuranceforeningen SKULD


Ulykkesforsikringsforbundet for Dansk Søfart


Polar Seafood Greenland A/S


Clipper Invest


Clipper Group


SAS Scandinavian Airlines


Air Greenland


Maersk Air Cargo


AerCap


Airseven


Nordic Seaplanes


BOC Aviation


Copenhagen Air Taxi


Air Lease Corporation


Kirk Kapital


PensionDanmark


Odense Maritime Technology


Work highlights


  • Advised Hafnia Limited, on its acquisition of Chemical Tankers Inc. (CTI) in a landmark acquisition deal that secures an additional 32 fuel-efficient product/chemical tankers to its fleet.
  • Advised Maersk Tankers A/S on a transaction concerning the cross-border sale of its technical management business to Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd.
  • Represented Assuranceforeningen SKULD and Ulykkesforsikringsforbundet for Dansk Søfart in a landmark Supreme Court Ruling on personal injury for foreign seafarers working on Danish flagged vessels.

Hafnia Law Firm

Boutique firm Hafnia Law Firm fields a ‘very experienced and well-coordinated‘ team which advises a varied client base of ship owners and shipyards, marine insurers, and suppliers in the international bunker industry; the team’s areas of expertise include conversion and shipbuilding issues, offshore construction work and repair contracts. Practice head Niels Jorn Fribirg has over 20 years’ experience in handling non-contentious and contentious shipping, offshore and transport related matters, while Henrik Thal Jantzen often advises on marine insurance disputes, freight forwarding work, and marine casualty issues. Harald Søndergaard uses his ‘exceptional knowledge and vast experience’ of the oil industry and bunker fuel trading to advise domestic and overseas fuel traders, suppliers and brokers on regulatory issues and international recovery work.


Practice head(s):

Niels Jørn Friborg


Other key lawyers:

Henrik Thal Jantzen; Mathias Steinø; Anders Amstrup Fournais; Andreas Oxholm; Harald Søndergaard; Anders Bjørn Munthe


Testimonials

‘Team of very experienced and well-coordinated lawyers and associates. It is a pleasure working with them. The team has outstanding skills.’

‘Harald Søndergaard has exceptional knowledge and vast experience.’

‘Anders Bjørn Munthe is not only an excellent attorney, he also has an extraordinary commercial understanding and he always tries to help his clients come up with solutions to a legal issue. He makes sure he understands his clients and engages with them to make sure he knows their needs.’

Key clients

Allseas


Baltic Shipping Company


Bladt Industries


Blue Water Shipping


Bunker Holding


Chubb


CNA Hardy


Codan


DEME Offshore


DSV Panalpina


Falcon Maritime Group


Gard


Heerema


If


NKT


NTG


Scan Global Logistics


SDK Shipping


Stena Oil


Tokio Marine


Van Oord


Vattenfall


World Marine Offshore


Wrist Ship Supply


DLA Piper Denmark

DLA Piper Denmark fields a talented team, which is ‘excellent on strategy‘ when advising on the preparation of terms of carriage, in addition to the commercial and insolvency sides of the shipping industry. The team also handles disputes relating to ship groundings, collisions, and carrier liability. Henrik Kleis leads the team in Aarhus and often advises freight forwarders and airlines while also acting for the Danish Port Association, and Christian Benedictsen-Nislev leads the Copenhagen practice, using his ‘extensive knowledge‘ of ship building contracts and public procurement to handle both non-contentious and contentious matters. Henrik Frandsen regularly acts for domestic and international shipping lines and ship owners in matters concerning sales, purchases and arrests of vessels, while Per Vestergaard Pedersen has notable experience in road, rail and the multi-modal transport of goods.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Kleis


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘Specialised within the industry (shipping and transport). Available when needed and fast when delivering advice, with high quality.’

‘Christian Benedictsen-Nislev is very pleasant to work with. He is down to earth, easy going and very good at communicating his extensive knowledge within the industry. Clients are confident when he represents their cases at court.’

‘The team is excellent in all aspects regarding port business and has good knowledge of maritime and public tender issues.’

‘Henrik Kleis and Martin Juste have long term relations and deep knowledge in important areas, in addition to a wide network.’

‘The team is very committed and able to see the bigger picture. Excellent on strategy and able to express complicated issues in concise and simple terms.’

‘Christian Benedictsen-Nislev’s advice is precise, detailed and practical. He is very bright, personable and a delight to work with.’

Key clients

MSC Denmark A/S


Dansk Bjergning & Bugsering A/S


The Port of Aarhus


The Port of Kalundborg


The Port of Grenaa


Alba Tankers Aalborg ApS


Copenhagen Airports A/S


Carsoe A/S


DB Cargo Scandinavia A/S


IF Skadeforsikring


DAT (Danish Air Transport)


The Ferry Secretariat


Danske Fragtmænd


Work highlights


  • Advising the Ferry Secretariat on the preparation and execution of a programme for the construction of up to 25-30 passenger ferries for the client’s 18 members over the course of 10 years.
  • Acting for DB Cargo Scandinavia in connection with the Great Belt rail accident in 2019, the investigations of the Accident Investigation Board and the claims of DSB for damage to the trains and indemnification for passenger claims, as well as claims from other parties sustaining losses from the accident.
  • Representing a client in legal proceedings before the Danish Supreme Court involving several issues of principle in relation to the applicability of jurisdiction clauses and the Brussels Regulation under Danish law, in the context of a cargo claim brought against the client following the loss of containers at sea in the Mediterranean Sea due to heavy weather.

IUNO

The team at IUNO acts for a varied client base of salvors, renewable corporates and insurance companies on the full range of shipping and transport matters. Mads Poulsen has ‘great knowledge and presence‘ when it comes to advising recovery agents and hull insurers on both contentious and non-contentious matters, and ‘leader and outstanding specialistAage Krogh frequently represents airline clients and freight forwarders in liability claims. Lars Rosenberg Overby departed the practice to join Bech-Bruun in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Mads Poulsen; Aage Krogh


Testimonials

‘Mads Poulsen has great knowledge and presence both in Denmark and Sweden. He has a hands on approach, is pragmatic, knows the law very well, and has excellent language skills.’

‘The strength of the firm is that they have a hands on approach with a Scandinavian flavour (approachable but functional and good quality).’

‘The team is strong in litigation within the industry. Mads Poulsen is a good litigator and is known in the market as being fair and easy to work with.’

Key clients

Codan


J.A. Rederiet


Vestas


Anabuki Works


NordRep


Tryg


First Marine


Green Carrier


Link Logistics


North of England


DHL Global Forwarding


Danish Association of Freight Forwarders


HDI


British Airways


Agility


Dechra Pharmaceuticals


Dechra Veterinary Products


Work highlights


  • Advised ABC Martime on a successful arbitration against an engine manufacturer/ship repairer.
  • Advised Dechra Pharmaceuticals on its global distribution agreement.
  • Represented the owner of a state ship in a dispute over the arrest of the vessel.

Kromann Reumert

Kromann Reumert‘s ‘very knowledgeable‘ team advises airlines and shipping corporates on newbuild contracts, M&A transactions, financings and restructurings. The firm is recognised for its contentious capabilities and uses an ‘exceptional combination’ of expertise from its ship finance team and its shipping team. Practice head Jakob Rosing handles a range of contentious and non-contentious matters, including arrest and enforcement proceedings, and the drafting of logistics and transport contracts. Rosing also has notable experience in transport and marine insurance related matters. The ‘very knowledgeableThomas Kaas has expertise in tax leases, ship financing work, and the sale and purchase of ships; he frequently advises domestic shipping companies, distressed corporates and international shipping banks.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Rosing


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Kaas; Mette Riber Rasmussen


Testimonials

‘Kromann Reumert’s practice has been market leading for the last 20 years. They have the requisite knowledge combination of banking, finance and shipping.’

‘Thomas Kaas is very knowledgeable and pragmatic and simply gets the job done. He goes that extra mile for his clients.’

‘Very knowledgeable practice with very good people who are both very approachable and helpful.’

‘They are able to take both a legal and practical point of view to all problems, large or small. Jakob Rosing helps clients secure a positive result.’

‘Always proactive. Exceptional combination of the finance work and sector knowledge.’

‘Thomas Kaas and Mette Riber Rasmussen. They are always hands on.’

Key clients

Codan Insurance


Alandia


Cadeler


SAS Cargo


Royal Arctic Line


Falcon Maritime


W.E. Cox Claims Group Limited


CNA Hardy


Royal Greenland


Fjord Line


Gjensidige Forsikring


Nilfisk


Danish Ship Finance


W K Webster & Co Ltd


British American Tobacco


Topdanmark Forsikring


Brenntag Nordic


Work highlights


  • Advised Cadeler A/S on the negotiation of a shipbuilding contract for a new wind turbine installation vessel plus an option for a further vessel.
  • 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.
  • Advised hull & machinery underwriters If P&C Insurance on recourse claims following an engine explosion on board the fishing vessel MUNIN which caused substantial damages to the vessel.

NJORD Law Firm

The team at NJORD Law Firm is known for its ‘cutting-edge knowledge and insight‘ and expertise in road transport matters, the offshore industry, and logistics issues, areas in which practice head Ulla Fabricius has over 30 years’ experience. Fabricius is ‘extremely sharp and knowledgeable‘ and frequently assists hauliers, logistics providers and freight forwarders with their regulatory issues, often appearing before the Maritime and Commercial High Court and the Supreme Court. Associate Lene Ishø is an international trade and transport specialist, who handles disputes and non-contentious matters for transport companies. Associate Peter Helby Petersen joined the team from TVC Law Firm in Janurary 2022, adding his labour and employment expertise within the shipping and transport sector.


Practice head(s):

Ulla Fabricius


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Ryhl; Lene Ishø; Anna Lind Thirunavakarasu; Peter Helby Petersen


Testimonials

‘An outstanding and unique capacity and a dedicated team that is always on top of the agenda nationally as well as internationally. Simply the best performing law firm in terms of transport, logistics and shipping.’

‘Ulla Fabricius is the light tower of this outstanding team. Ulla has a dedicated and a profound approach to clients, to the industry and she has a well-proven record of many leading cases and Ulla Fabricius is at top-level legal capacity.’

‘Very hands-on. Thorough insight to the industry. Direct, clear and honest communication always with focus on solutions that can be implemented.’

‘Ulla Fabricius is one of a kind. Extremely sharp and knowledgeable with a good commercial understanding and a broad network throughout the industry, which gives her a good insight on many topics – also as regards commercial and operational dilemmas. She is very sympathetic and well esteemed among peers and that provides for faster resolution of disputes. She cuts to the chase and always focuses on solutions.’

‘Cutting-edge knowledge and insight regarding regulation of the logistic-sector, especially the Road Mobility Package (EU).’

‘Ulla Fabricius renders clear and operational advice and is very knowledgeable within her field. She is certainly a bright star on the Danish and European scene for legal experts within transportation and similar areas.’

‘One to watch is assistant attorney Anna Lind Thirunavakarasu, who is sharp, precise, and accurate in her written advice as well as in dialogue. She is expected to be a rising star within a few years.’

Key clients

Codan Forsikring A/S


DFDS A/S


Anders Nielsen & Co. A/S


DSV Group of companies


H.P. Therkelsen A/S


Bring Group of Companies


Johs. Rasmussen, Svebølle A/S


BHS Logistics A/S


Plesner

Plesner‘s practice is known for its transactional and ship finance expertise, and often advises financiers, ship owners and charterers on ship registrations and offshore installations. The team also handles insolvencies, with notable clients being Maersk, Metro Service and Arriva Denmark. Practice head Peter Fogh regularly advises domestic and foreign shipyards and shipping corproates on international contracts, ship financings, and building projects. Niklas Korsgaard Christensen has profound knowledge of the transport sector, with a particular emphasis on harbours and the construction of international airports. Esben Kjær has notable experience in advising on the commercial side of the public transport market including regulatory issues.

Key clients

Equinox Melida Maritime Ltd


Equinox Maritime Limited


CMA CMG and its subsidiary CMA Ships


A.P. Møller


Maersk A/S


Danske Havnevirksomheder


Unifeeder A/S


“K” Line (Scandinavia) Holding A/S


Hafnia Tankers Group


O.W. Bunker in bankruptcy


Danske Bank


ADP A/S (Associated Danish Ports)


Kalaallit Airport A/S


Mols-Linjen


NYK Bulk and Projects Carriers Ltd.


Equinor Refining Denmark A/S


Transport Danmark A/S


Metro Service A/S


Arriva Denmark A/S


Work highlights


  • Acted as trustee of the bankruptcy estate of OW Tankers.
  • Advising Associated Danish Ports concerning the establishment of the first dry port in Denmark, which is a major new logistics centre.
  • Advised Kalaallit Airports regarding the development and construction of three new airports in Greenland.

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab‘s team uses its ‘extensive knowledge‘ of arbitration and litigation proceedings to advise on both wet and dry shipping issues. The team takes a ‘realistic and creative‘ approach when advising logistics, insurance, and transport companies. The ‘highly skilledJesper Windahl heads up the practice, and often represents domestic and international clients in disputes before the Maritime and Commercial Court of Copenhagen; he regularly handles claims concerning liability for cargo damage.

Practice head(s):

Jesper Windahl


Testimonials

‘Combination of highly skilled, extensive experience and very pragmatic and commercial approach in their advice.’

‘Jesper Windahl is highly skilled, has extensive experience, and is very pragmatic, taking a commercial approach in his advice.’

‘The team takes an honest, realistic and creative approach to all cases. Outstanding and capable international network.’

‘The lawyers have a dedicated approach, are easy to work with, and have extensive knowledge in their field.’

Key clients

Tryg


Topdanmark


Alm. Brand


Gjensidige


CNA Hardy


HDI


Trygd P/S


The Swedish Club


Freja Transport


Alpi


Intercargo


Airland


ICT Logistics


DB Schenker


IDS Spedition


SDK


Work highlights


  • Acted for Tryg Forsikring and its insured before the Maritime and Commercial Court of Copenhagen in a case concerning liability for cargo damage to consignments of fish-feed products inflicted during winter carriage in Norway.
  • Acted for Alm. Brand Forsikring and its insured before the Maritime and Commercial Court of Copenhagen in a case concerning temperature to consignments of cheese shipped to UAE.
  • Acted for Freja Transport in a matter concerning alleged liability for temperature damage to chilled food products during CMR-carriage.

Andersen Partners

Based in Kolding, Andersen Partners acts for a varied client base of transport companies, insurers and underwriters. The team regularly advises on commercial postal services and the carriage of mail, as well as logistics contracts. The ‘highly skilled and very competentLissi Andersen Roost leads the team with her expertise in international road transport issues. Associate Kenneth Melancton Nielsen joined the team from an in-house role in March 2022, bringing his substantial knowledge on aircraft financing and leasing work, as well as aviation insurance issues.


Practice head(s):

Lissi Andersen Roost


Other key lawyers:

Kenneth Melancton Nielsen


Testimonials

‘Lissi Andersen Roost is a highly skilled and very competent lawyer. Always gives superb and very professional counselling.’

Bruun & Hjejle

Bruun & Hjejle‘s team often displays ‘extraordinary attention to detail‘ when advising ferry operators on bareboat charterparties and new build contracts. The ‘committed and hard workingGregers Gam heads up the practice, using his ‘deep knowledge‘ to advise domestic and international clients on the full scope of shipping matters, including the financing, purchase and sale of ships, in addition to international trade mandates.

Practice head(s):

Gregers Gam


Testimonials

‘I have been very impressed with their commitment and knowledge. The team is extremely flexible and displays extraordinary attention to detail and excellent cooperation.’

‘Gregers Gam has attention to detail and deep knowledge, in addition to a genuine interest in the business. A more committed and hard working person is hard to find.’

‘Gregers Gam maintains an exceptional level of professionalism and integrity. He is not only very skilled in what he does, he is also a very nice person and a joy to work with. It is very clear that he has a lot of experience in the field. He is very personable and explains complicated matters in a nice way so that it is easier to understand the meaning of the content.’

Key clients

Molslinjen A/S


Storstroem Bridge Joint Venture I/S


Cadeler A/S


Work highlights


  • Advised Molslinjen A/S, Denmark’s largest domestic ferry operator, on all matters relating to the procurement of the new-built vessel “Express 5”, including matters relating to the construction and financing.
  • Advised Molslinjen A/S, a major domestic ferry operator, on the contract for the construction of a new hybrid battery-powered ferry between Esbjerg and Fanø.
  • Advised Molslinjen A/S on all matters relating to the purchase of long-term leased vessel “Express 1”, including the financing of the purchase, and the re-registration of the vessel with the Danish Ship Registry.