Fenech & Fenech Advocates has a strong offering in wet and dry shipping matters in Malta. Ship finance and registration issues are key drivers of work for the group, which is also adept at handling litigation arising from shipbuilding contracts, charterparties, bills of lading, towage, and salvage and collision claims. Marine insolvency cases are also prominent in the team's workload. Ann Fenech leads the maritime litigation group, in which Adrian Attard is a key name. Mark Fenech and Rowena Grima are established experts in ship finance and registration, respectively. Alison Vassallo and Lara Saguna Axiaq are also key practitioners.
Shipping in Malta
Fenech & Fenech Advocates
Practice head(s):
Ann Fenech; Adrian Attard; Lara Saguna Axiaq; Alison Vassallo
Other key lawyers:
Mark Fenech; Rowena Grima
Key clients
General National Maritime Transport Company
Peninsula 360
ENDO Group
Tug Malta Ltd
Virtu Ferries Ltd
Gravelor Shipping Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising General National Maritime Transport Company on all the legal requirements and issues relating to its corporate structure and operations.
- Advising Endo Tankers on ship sale and purchase agreements, charterparties, ship management agreements and ship registrations, and ship financing transactions.
- Acts as counsel to Tug Malta Ltd in connection with substantial salvage claims and claims under its towage contracts.
Ganado Advocates
Ganado Advocates’ practice stands out for its ‘tremendous strength in depth‘. The team regularly represents financial institutions and shipowners in the registration of vessels and mortgages, yachting matters, and ship finance issues, to name a few areas. Karl Grech Orr and Jotham Scerri-Diacono are recognised for their expertise in advising on ship and yacht registrations and ship mortgages. Daniel Aquilina, Matthew Attard, Caroline Risiott and Matthew Xerri are active on ship finance, loan restructuring and mortgage enforcement matters, as well as shipbuilding contractual issues. Christine Cassar Naudi brings experience in tax matters.
Practice head(s):
Karl Grech Orr; Jotham Scerri-Diacono; Daniel Aquilina; Christine Cassar Naudi; Matthew Attard; Matthew Xerri
Other key lawyers:
Caroline Risiott
Testimonials
‘Their practice is very professional. Starting from day one as of the instructions, they respond quickly and handle the matter in a very professional attitude. The questions they raise are to the point which enables also the client to understand the what they need to expect from the file. ’
‘Matthew Attard is handling the case as a maritime professional. His knowledge is not only of law but also the dynamics of the sector as well as the technical side. ’
‘Caroline Risiott is first class and very user friendly. No nonsense and very practical. Always available. Daniel Aquilina is very experienced. ’
‘The firm is very well established in the market. It has knowledge of both the law and the practices in the industry. Especially when matters involve a corporate angle to it, they are a first choice in Malta.’
‘Matthew Attard is very responsive and careful to the commercially sensible nature of the mandate. He is well regarded in the shipping community and well fit also to represent the category’s interests abroad. ’
‘The team was spot on, very professional and fast responding.’
‘Responsive, helpful, good knowledge of cross border issues.’
‘Ganado Advocates have a truly outstanding Shipping practice and are unquestionably one of Malta’s Tier 1 practices. There is tremendous strength in depth across a number of partners and associates, and their value for money is excellent. Always reliable and can be completely trusted to attend to matters promptly and efficiently.’
Camilleri Preziosi
Camilleri Preziosi‘s shipping practice, led by Steve Decesare, is well versed in representing ship and yacht owners in a range of contentious matters. The group is also recognised for its strength in advising on ship finance matters, enforcement of maritime claims, mortgages and the acquisition, registration, and operation of vessels.
Practice head(s):
Steve Decesare
Work highlights
- Acted for Grand Harbour Marina p.l.c. in proceedings against M/Y Nautonnier concerning debt recovery issues.
Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates
The team at Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates is 'very knowledgeable in yachting and shipping', and 'able to provide practical insight together with legal acumen'. Charlene Mifsud heads up the practice, in which senior associate Susanna Grech Deguara is a key name. The duo field expertise in yacht acquisitions, tax-related matters, and financing issues.
Practice head(s):
Charlene Mifsud
Other key lawyers:
Susanna Grech Deguara
Testimonials
‘The team is able to provide practical insight together with legal acumen. This is indeed very helpful in the shipping industry.’
‘We have worked closely with Susanna Grech Deguara who has been exceptional in her work. Very diligent and prompt to reply. She has always guided us well and has supported our company throughout.’
‘Very knowledgeable in yachting and shipping. Has know-how in the areas and cover related areas also such as structure advise, tax, VAT. ’
‘Susanna – very knowledgeable and practical. Great project management skills.’
‘The shipping team at Chetcuti Cauchi is very knowledgeable and has a good command of the law. They have been very helpful and have always guided me very well. They have an efficient billing system and they have always replied to my queries promptly. It has been a pleasure to work with them. ’
‘I have been assisted by Susanna Grech Deguara and her team. She has been amazing. Always fast to reply and very knowledgeable. It is clear that she has been in the industry for a good while and knows all the players in the field well. ’
Key clients
Przemyslaw Klimczak
Secret Island Charter Ltd
General Gas Ltd
Monaco Boat Services (Riva)
Oceanus Marine
Quickly Group Holding Ltd
Classic Charter Ltd
LMS Yachting Ltd
Jeolson Law
FLE Marine Ltd
Piotr Trojanek
Polar Bear Project Ltd
Mamy Chartering Ltd
Concord Riva
Larimar Ltd
Raghav Marine
Work highlights
- Assisted Przemyslaw Klimczak with EU yacht importation matters.
- Advised Secret Island Charter on a yacht commercial registration issue.
- Advised General Gas Ltd on shipping and importation matters.
Deguara Farrugia Advocates
Deguara Farrugia Advocates' practice stands out for its 'deep understanding of the intricacies of maritime law'. The team is 'a formidable force in the yachting industry, with an impressive track record of handling complex cases related to yachting'. The group regularly acts for financiers, managers, charterers, carriers and agents in a broad range of matters, including chartering, vessel registration, sale and purchase, and financing and securities work. Kenneth Deguara heads up the practice, and is ably supported by senior associate Andrew Massa.
Practice head(s):
Kenneth Deguara
Other key lawyers:
Andrew Massa
Testimonials
‘Personal contact and quick turnaround. Team with a variety of capabilities and competences.’
‘Very competent team partners. ’
‘What sets DF Advocates apart is their deep understanding of the intricacies of maritime law and their unwavering commitment to their clients. The legal team is a formidable force in the yachting industry, with an impressive track record of handling complex cases related to yachting. The team at DF Advocates operates with a level of professionalism that is second to none. Their meticulous attention to detail and dedication to providing tailored solutions for their clients is truly remarkable.’
‘Andrew Massa is a standout lawyer in the yachting industry because of his deep expertise, personal approach, commitment to excellence, and genuine passion for yachting. Andrew’s grasp of the nuances in international maritime regulations, and yacht transactions is unparalleled, giving his clients a distinct advantage in this complex industry. Beyond his legal acumen, Andrew Massa possesses a unique ability to connect with his clients on a personal level. As a client, I can confidently say that Andrew is not just a lawyer; he’s a trusted ally in the world of yachting.’
Mamo TCV Advocates
At Mamo TCV Advocates, the 'outstanding' team is led by Nicholas Valenzia, 'a top tier lawyer' in the shipping arena. Valenzia is well versed in assisting with corporate and tax issues pertaining to vessels and superyachts, and has a solid track record in handling vessel repossession procedures on behalf of international credit institutions.
Practice head(s):
Nicholas Valenzia
Testimonials
‘The team are very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable with very good contacts with the relevant authorities.’
‘The individuals I work with are very helpful suggesting alternatives in order to succeed in our goals and business needs.’
‘Nick Valenzia is the go to guy in yachting matters.’
‘The Shipping team of Mamo TCV is outstanding and provides effective, viable and commercially oriented assistance in all different matters of shipping law. Particular attention is devoted to find the most tailored solution in the exclusive interest of clients. Flexible rates are agreed with clients to meet their needs and expectations.’
‘Nicholas Valenzia is a top tier lawyer and leads the department with attention and accuracy. Nicholas is committed to the matters and is able to deal with the different matters personally in a timely and effective manner. He succeeds in creating strong relationships with clients and correspondents lawyers.’
GTG Advocates
GTG Advocates fields a team of 'knowledgeable and experienced' lawyers, with established strength in advising on ship finance matters. Maritime litigation, importation issues, tax and vessel sale and purchase matters are other key areas of instruction for the group. Practice head Robert Tufigno brings over 40 years of experience in the space, and is highly regarded for assisting local and foreign clients with ship registrations under the Maltese flag, marine insurance matters, and dispute resolution, to name a few areas of strength.
Practice head(s):
Robert Tufigno
Testimonials
‘Execellent quality and hands-on service’
‘The approach is commercial and goal-oriented. The service is tailored so it serves the purpose.’
‘Partners are promptly available knowledgeable and experienced. So easy to work with. Well informed, persistent and solution oriented.’
Key clients
Intesa Sanpaolo S.p.A.
Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale
National Bank of Greece
ABN AMRO Bank N.V.
Nova Marine Carriers
ICCREA Banca Impresa
Marnavi S.p.A.
Corner Banca SA
Medazur Yacht Leasing Company Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Marnavi S.P.A on the acquisition and registration of a Maltese oil tanker.
- Advised ABN Amro Bank N.V in relation to a supplemental agreement to a $18,750,000 loan agreement.
- Advised National Bank of Greece on a €10,000,000 financing agreement and mortgage registration of a Maltese superyacht.
GVZH Advocates
At GVZH Advocates, the team has an established track record in advising on the purchase, sale and ongoing maintenance of luxury superyachts, and is also sought after for handling the registration of vessels under the Maltese flag. Additionally, the group assists with financing transactions, employment and social security issues for seafarers, and the arrest of vessels. Michael Grech and Ann Bugeja jointly head the practice.
Practice head(s):
Michael Grech; Ann Bugeja
Key clients
Floating Life International SA
Sardaleasing S.p.A.
Albaleasing S.p.A.
Credemleasing S.p.A.
Unicredit Leasing S.p.A.
Work highlights
- Advising Floating Life International S.A on all registrations of yachts under the Maltese flag.
- Advised Unicredit Leasing S.p.A. on registrations of yachts under the Maltese flag, as well as acting as resident agent in respect of all its locally registered vessels.
- Advising Credemleasing S.p.A on all registrations of yachts under the Maltese flag, as well as acting as resident agent in respect of all its locally registered vessels.