Shipping and transport in Denmark

Bech-Bruun

Renowned as a ‘market leader in Denmark,’ Bech-Bruun advises domestic and international clients in the shipping and transport sectors on both wet and dry shipping matters. The firm has also developed a specialised cross-border insolvency shipping team to work on complex industry insolvencies. Team head Johannes Grove Nielsen, praised as ‘a leader in the industry,’ brings extensive expertise in maritime law and international arbitration. The ‘responsive’ Camilla Søgaard Hudson focuses on cargo transportation, charter party agreements, and offshore matters. Regarded as a ‘top maritime lawyer,’ Lars Rosenberg Overby has significant experience drafting wind industry contracts and representing clients in litigation before Danish courts as well as in international arbitration proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Johannes Grove Nielsen


Other key lawyers:

Camilla Søgaard Hudson; Lars Rosenberg Overby; Malthe Hersom Kloft; Louise Lundsby Wessel


Testimonials

‘Market leader in Denmark.’

‘Large team with exceptionally skilled lawyers on all levels. Very easy to work with, reacts more or less immediately on enquiries. All in all, clearly the best in Denmark.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is simply fantastic. The combination of first class substantive knowledge in the field combined with a practical and commercial mindset makes him stand out as the leading shipping lawyer in Denmark. Camilla Hudson also a very good lawyer and easy to work with. Very responsive.’

‘Bech-Bruun’s shipping practice is the most versatile in Denmark, being able to provide services in all aspects of shipping and transport while also being able to provide expert and and in-depth advice on most specific subjects. ’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen and Camilla Søgaard Hudson are outstanding, easy to work with, attentive, efficient, and give quality advice. Recent hire Lars Rosenberg Overby was a star at his previous firm, and has retained his star quality.’

‘Lars Rosenberg Overby is a top maritime lawyer. He responds quickly to the point and has a good market understanding. We have instructed him several times.’

‘Johannes Grove Nielsen is definitely a leader in the industry worldwide and the first port of call in Denmark. A true clients man with exceptional negotiation skills. His team mates, Camilla Søgaard Hudson, Louise Lundsby Wessel and Lars Rosenberg Overby are also first-class lawyers.’

‘I have worked with Camilla Søgaard Hudson and her associate Malthe Hersom Kloft, where they assisted us in drafting a memo on Danish fishing legislation for the Swedish Government. I evaluated their ability to put a team with relevant members together within a short time limit and to also produce a memo that made a valuable contribution to our overall delivery.’

Key clients

Kuehne & Nagel A/S


A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S


Monjasa


DHL Global Forwarding


Work highlights


  • Advised the P&I club representing the KARIN HØJ in a matter involving its collision with the SCOT CARRIER.
  • Advised third-party creditors, representing over 50% of all claims against Thor Shipping and Sofia Shipping, in securing Bech-Bruun’s appointment as trustee in a landmark maritime insolvency case.
  • Advised over 100 clients, including some of the world’s largest shipping companies and P&I clubs, on matters related to the OW Bunker Group collapse.

Gorrissen Federspiel

Gorrissen Federspiel is renowned as a ‘leading shipping law firm’ with ‘in-depth knowledge and understanding of global shipping regulations and industry specific challenges.’ Led by Peter Appel, the team advises major Danish and international ship-owners, shipyards and ports, industry investors and financiers, as well as insurance companies. Appel is highly experienced in handling large transactions, financing arrangements, and setting up international operations, in addition to being a leading maritime litigator. Thomas Edelgaard Christensen is a notable expert in handling major marine casualties, both in Denmark and internationally, while Morten Hans Jakobsen specialises in aviation, air finance, and ship financing, with expertise in leasing, sales, purchases, and regulatory matters. Morten Berggreen is another key member.

Practice head(s):

Peter Appel


Other key lawyers:

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


Testimonials

‘The team has a good mix of experience and recent graduates, and they seem to be good at developing individual employees – and without compromising on the task in front of the customer. In addition, always a good dialogue where they understand us, the company and the task.’

‘In-depth, second-to-none knowledge of the shipping industry. Hands-on experience from the various parts of the business. Up-to-date knowledge of current issues affecting the industry.’

‘To a certain extent, Gorrissen, shipping and the Nordics just belong together, when it comes to industry knowledge and expert legal advice. In this, Gorrissen stands for high-quality legal advice, but also for promoting the shipping industry as such via national and international associations and relationship building.’

‘It’s the biggest shipping law department in Denmark, with a very broad range of highly specialised lawyers. They have a very good commercial understanding and give very precise and fast advice.’

‘Partners Morten Berggreen and Johan Casper Hennings and associates Morten Schou Kierulff and Thomas Edelgaard Christensen are all very valued advisors and their assistance with advising our business with ongoing advise on transactions, ship-building contracts and compliance is very much appreciated.’

‘Gorrissen Federspiel is, in my opinion, a leading shipping law firm, with an in-depth knowledge and deep understanding of global shipping regulations and industry-specific challenges. Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, including shipping finance, vessel acquisition, cargo disputes, environment compliance, and marine insurance claims etc.’

‘GF’s lawyers stand out for their deep sector expertise, offering practical, and solutions-driven advice. They differentiate themselves by acting as strategic partners, not just legal advisors.’

‘The only real one-stop legal platform in Copenhagen offering full pallets of corporate legal needs as an international shipping group.’

Key clients

A.P. Moeller Maersk A/S


Cadeler A/S


Work highlights


  • Advised Cadeler A/S on a $1.2bn agreement to combine its business with Eneti Inc.
  • Advised DFDS A/S on a carve-out and structured sales process for the divestment of the RoPax ferry service between Oslo, Frederikshavn and Copenhagen.
  • Advised Zebra A/S in a shipping dispute against DSV Air & Sea A/S concerning a breach of a freight services agreement for international sea carriage.

Hafnia Law Firm

Hafnia Law Firm is widely recognised as a specialist in transport law, maintaining close ties with Danish shipowners, charterers, operators, brokers, agents, and shipyards. This strong network enables the firm to frequently handle sale and purchase transactions and to advise on shipbuilding, conversion, and repair contracts. Under the leadership of Niels Jørn Friborg, the practice works closely with Danish and international marine insurers, including H&M, P&I, and FD&D insurers, and plays a significant role in the global bunker industry. Friborg brings over two decades of experience in shipping law, covering both contentious and non-contentious matters across wet and dry sectors. Henrik Thal Jantzen and Andreas Oxholm are also key members, with Jantzen focusing on maritime and transport law, and Oxholm specialising in insurance and litigation.

Practice head(s):

Niels Jørn Friborg


Other key lawyers:

Henrik Thal Jantzen; Andreas Oxholm


Key clients

DSV A/S


Bunker Holding


Blue Water Shipping


Heerema and Allseas


Codan and Skuld


Thornico


Wrist Ship Supply


DLA Piper Denmark

DLA Piper Denmark advises 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. Henrik Kleis, who brings over three decades of experience advising the Danish shipping industry, including close collaboration with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and Danish ports, leads the Aarhus team. He is supported by Christian Benedictsen-Nislev, who advises Danish and international companies on all aspects of shipping and transport. Key associate Peter Carlstedt Nørtved is a name to note in relation to litigation and arbitration proceedings within shipping, offshore and transportation law.

Practice head(s):

Henrik Kleis


Other key lawyers:

Sara Gade Lögsted; Christian Benedictsen-Nislev; Peter Carlstedt Nørtved


Testimonials

‘Dedication, knowhow and good availability.’

‘The team has a very good grasp of maritime transport matters and a good outreach to ancillary topics such as labour law.’

‘Sara Gade Lögsted has a very helpful and knowledgeable approach in labour law related matters.’

Key clients

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


JetTime A/S


 


Work highlights


  • Advised the Ferry Secretariat on the largest public tender in the history of the Danish ferry sector, which involves developing a standardised ferry design and a comprehensive package of services for the design, purchase, and operation of new ferries for its 18 members.
  • Advised EiFO as the lender on the financing and construction of new green-fuel vessels, involving multiple co-financiers, each participating in the funding of different vessels.
  • Advised Tusass A/S on a legal dispute concerning damage to the Greenland Connect North submarine cable, resulting in the Greenlandic vessel being found liable for the damage by both the Court of Greenland and the High Court of Greenland.

IUNO

IUNO‘s practice is recognised for being ‘approachable and business minded,’ delivering comprehensive legal services in both contentious and non-contentious matters related to shipping and transport law, advising clients such as insurers, freight forwarders, shipowners, and airlines, with a particular reputation for ‘very broad knowledge of the aviation sector.’ Team leader Aage Krogh specialises in aviation and freight forwarding law, bringing expertise in the intricate contractual structures and regulatory challenges of multi-jurisdictional issues, including the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods and pharmaceuticals.

Practice head(s):

Aage Krogh


Testimonials

‘The team has very broad knowledge of the aviation sector and has taken a truly international focus providing its clients with cross-border access to all aviation-related legal questions. They are approachable and business-minded.’

‘Aage Krogh stands out, leading this incredible team of lawyers.’

Key clients

DHL Global Forwarding


Danish Association of Freight Forwarders


British Airways


Dechra Pharmaceuticals


Work highlights


  • Advised on a unique transaction involving the carriage of the venerable fishing vessel THOR to the Florida Holocaust Museum.

Kromann Reumert

Kromann Reumert, renowned for their ‘high quality advice and pragmatic approach,’ covers all areas of shipping and other transport law on both contentious and contractual work, such as the sale and purchase of ships, newbuild contracts, M&A transactions, ship financing, and related dispute resolution. Team head Jakob Rosing brings over two decades of experience in shipping matters, specialising in marine and transport insurance and arbitration proceedings. Thomas Kaas and Natascha Pape are also key members of the team, with Kaas focusing on purchase and sale of ships, and Pape handling cargo recovery and defence of owners, carriers, and freight forwarders.

Practice head(s):

Jakob Rosing


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Kaas; Natascha Pape


Testimonials

‘The team has a very deep knowledge on maritime law and its emergency response availability is something that adds value over others.’

‘High quality advise and pragmatic approach. The team always shows good availability and gives straight-forward advice.’

‘Jakob Rosing is extremely accurate in his advice, even under time constraints his advice has been shown to be very accurate. His efficiency on meeting clients’ needs is something to highlight.’

‘The team are just nice people to work with, they are always in a good mood and forward-thinking.’

Key clients

Maersk A/S


Ørsted


ESVAGT A/S


Greenland Institute of Natural Resources


Work highlights


  • Advised Danske Patruljeskibe K/S on the multibillion DKK design, production, and construction of new patrol vessels for the Danish Navy.
  • Advised DOF Group ASA in their $1.112bn acquisition of Maersk Supply Service.
  • Advised Cadeler A/S in connection with the purchase and delivery of its wind turbine installation vessels.

NJORD Law Firm

NJORD Law Firm‘s maritime and transport law department, led by Ulla Fabricius, is highly skilled in understanding the commercial aspects of the shipping and transport industry, with a particular emphasis on logistics, road transport, and the offshore sector. The department advises road hauliers, freight forwarders, logistics providers, ship owners, and charterers on non-contentious matters, including ship sales, financing, shipbuilding, and offshore project acquisitions. Fabricius, with over 30 years of experience in the shipping and transport industries, specialises in logistics, road transport, and offshore sectors. Key associate Lene Ishøj brings knowledge of international trade and transport law.

Practice head(s):

Ulla Fabricius


Other key lawyers:

Lene Ishøj


Key clients

DFDS A/S


DSV A/S


Work highlights


  • Advised DSV A/S in connection with the company’s acquisition of Agility Global Integrated Logistics.
  • Advised DSV A/S on its acquisition of Agility Global Integrated Logistics.
  • Advised H.P. Therkelsen A/S and its German subsidiary in defending against the largest criminal case on cabotage in Denmark.

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab

WSCO Advokatpartnerselskab specialises in shipping, maritime, and transport law, advising a broad spectrum of Danish and foreign clients on contentious matters before all Danish courts, and in Danish and international arbitration as well as in matters concerning the arrest of vessels, injunctions and other interim measures. Team leader Jesper Windahl brings over two decades of expertise in shipping and transport law, with a strong track record in managing complex litigation cases.

Practice head(s):

Jesper Windahl


Testimonials

‘Solid team with good commercial awareness.’

‘Jesper Windahl is very good to work with.’

‘We mainly use WSCO for shipping and transport cases. We mainly use Jesper Windahl. In our opinion, Jesper is one of the best lawyers in Denmark within shipping and transport. Jesper is always flexible, thorough and solution-oriented. He is efficient and offers good value for money.’

Key clients

Tryg Forsikring


Alm. Brand Forsikring


Work highlights


  • Advised Tryg Forsikring in litigation before the Maritime and Commercial Court, marking the first Danish court application of Art. 17 of the CMR Convention.
  • Advised Topdanmark Forsikring in litigation before the City Court of Copenhagen regarding transport damage to medical scanners.

Andersen Partners

Andersen Partners is recognised for its ‘strong knowledge in relation to the transport business,’ assisting importers, exporters, freight forwarders and carriers of goods and passengers on Incoterms, transport and shipping law. Team leader Lissi Andersen Roost, renowned as ‘honest and very trustworthy,’ brings expertise in national and international private law regulations concerning the carriage of goods and passengers.

Practice head(s):

Lissi Andersen Roost


Testimonials

‘We have been working with Andersen Partners and their transport team for almost 3 years.  They have a second-to-none knowledge about our industry, not only locally but also globally, which we have not seen elsewhere.’

‘The team is led by Lissi Andersen Roost, who is always available. She has a strong team of individuals in her group that can support us in any area of our business and in any part of the world.’

‘The team is very professional, with a strong knowledge in relation to the transport business. Working with them gives you piece of mind. They are very specific in describing the actions that needs to be taken.’

‘I have worked with Lissi Andersen Roost. I see her as professional, well prepared and with a huge knowledge in the transport business. She is honest and very trustworthy and capable of explaining the elements of the law in a way that makes it easy to understand.’

‘The co-operation with Lissi Andersen Roost is very professional. She gives very qualified answers in rapid time.’

Mazanti-Andersen

Mazanti-Andersen's ‘capable and approachable’ team assists banks, ship owners and a diverse range of clients on business-critical shipping M&A and financing matters, including complex cross-border transactions. Team leader Rune Aagaard, described as ‘highly dedicated,’ is well-versed in international shipping management as well as maritime contracts, shipping finance, corporate law, and M&A.

Practice head(s):

Rune Aagaard


Testimonials

‘We have worked with Rune Aagaard, who is highly dedicated and very thorough. He has excellent case management and steers the process effectively and proactively. He is a seasoned litigator and confident communicator.’

‘Rune Aagaard is our go-to shipping lawyer in Denmark.’

‘Mazanti-Andersen is comprised of a very capable and approachable team of individuals who are a pleasure to work with. Very happy with them.’

‘Rune Aagard is an excellent lawyer who is not only efficient, but has a high degree of commercial understanding of client needs.’

‘Having collaborated with Rune Aagaard on a shipping finance matter involving stock exchange issues in Denmark, I am pleased to highly recommend the firm. Their market-oriented approach, combined with the team’s professionalism and deep understanding of the industry, consistently delivers exceptional results.’

‘I have known Rune Aagaard for approximately 15 years. Rune is a focused and well-experienced professional who always manages to find the best possible commercial solutions in various complex shipping matters.’

‘Commerciality and legal problem-solving. They have the ability to see the bigger commercial picture and deliver timely, workable solutions where needed. Responsiveness is excellent.’

‘Rune Aagaard is brilliant. He is responsive and deals with issues very effectively. He is brilliant in front of clients and knows how to work well as an integral part of a wider team of advisors.’

Key clients

Blue Water Shipping A/S


MB Shipbrokers 24 A/S


Work highlights


  • Advised Blue Water Shipping A/S on a lawsuit against Port of Odense A/S concerning a municipal port’s breach of the Port Act.
  • Advised MB Shipbrokers 24 A/S on the acquisition of Maersk Broker through a management and employee buyout.

Nielsen Nørager

The ‘highly knowledgeable’ team at Nielsen Nørager offers expertise in matters of shipping, offshore, transportation and infrastructure to both Danish and international clients, such as the purchase or sale of vessels, charterparties, tender work, and negotiation of finance agreements. Practice head Gregers Gam has extensive experience in large and complex shipbuilding, charterparty and construction contracts.

Practice head(s):

Gregers Gam


Other key lawyers:

Michael Kjær Lauritsen


Testimonials

‘Gregers Gam stands out as a partner who leaves you with a great deal of confidence and comfort that your business and its wellbeing is prioritised and in the best hands. He always make great efforts to understand and analyse the details of each case and situation, to ensure these are handled with strategic precision and refinement.’

‘The team is highly knowledgeable within the shipping industry and provide excellent support and services to all aspects of our business. This is not on the commercial side but also on the technical side, with in-depth knowledge and experience.’

‘We receive highly qualified assistance from Gregers Gam, with whom we have concluded a high number of contracts and other legal matters important to our business. These services range from complex commercial contracts to in-dept technical agreements and settlements.’

‘Michael Kjær Lauritsen is a brilliant lawyer. He always has a focus on reaching the goal line in the quickest and most efficient way possible.’

‘The team is led by Gregers Gam and the strengths and key capabilities are shipping, complicated contracts and problem solving.’

‘Gregers Gam is always available and able to handle most legal challenges.’

Key clients

Skuld


X-Yachts


Plesner

Plesner brings expertise in ship finance and maritime transactions, offering guidance primarily in the shipping and offshore sectors. The team is co-led by Niklas Korsgaard Christensen, who is well-versed in the harbour sector, and Peter Fogh, who advices on international contracts concerning new building projects and ship financing. Esben Kjær departed to Moalem Weitemeyer in April 2025.

Practice head(s):

Niklas Korsgaard Christensen; Peter Fogh


Key clients

Flying Tiger Copenhagen


Arriva


Siemens


Alstom


Sund & Bælt Holding


Total E&P Danmark A/S


Danske Bank


Citibank


Copenhagen Infrastructure Partner


Copenhagen Airports


Schjødt Advokatpartnerselskab

Schjødt Advokatpartnerselskab supports clients in transitioning to sustainable maritime operations by assisting with emission reduction strategies, regulatory compliance, risk management, and dispute resolution. The practice is co-led by Jeremy Biggs and Jens V. Mathiasen, who advise clients on a broad range of complex shipping matters, including wet and dry shipping, shipbuilding, and the sale or purchase of vessels. Christian Thiele is another key member.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Biggs; Jens V. Mathiasen


Other key lawyers:

Christian Thiele


Testimonials

‘Jens Mathiasen is by far the best shipping lawyer in Denmark, which is why we moved our business to Schjødt with Jens. He has a solid understanding of shipping business fundamentals and an extraordinary ability to support us with either a light touch, or with force and confidence when the situation dictates.’

‘The Schjødt practice in Denmark is relatively new, but consists of very senior shipping lawyers. The Denmark office is led by Jens Mathiasen, one of the best shipping transaction and deal lawyers in Denmark.’

‘The individuals in the Schjødt team have a broad and yet very detailed experience within their respective areas of responsibilities, and they make sure to include internal or external specialists in their work, if necessary, ensuring that you as a customer always receive top professional guidance and lawyer assistance.’

‘The partners in Schjødt’s shipping department are hands-on and sharp, and always very accessible.’

‘The Schjødt team is a highly professional lawyer team with vast competences and extraordinary knowhow and experience within their field of expertise.’

‘The team is very knowledgeable and possesses a strong can-do attitude. Their experience within especially shipping is second-to-none.’

‘Jens Mathiasen is likely the best shipping lawyer in Denmark, with strong Scandinavian ties, which ensures you always get the best and right service.’

‘High knowledge within their field. Dedicated.’

Key clients

A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S


Dampskibsselskabet Norden


Esvagt


Work highlights


  • Advised Maersk on legal matters following the loss of 46 containers from the Mayview Maersk off the coast of Denmark on 21 December 2023.
  • Advised Scandlines on converting two passenger ferries to electricity.
  • Advised Esvagt A/S on projects enhancing offshore wind sector operations, including long-term charter agreements, shipbuilding contracts, and joint ventures.