Top 10 Visionary Shipping Lawyers Dominating India’s Maritime Law in 2023

India’s shipping industry is among the fastest growing in the world. With a coastline spanning over 7,500 km, its maritime sector is of strategic importance and plays a crucial role in the country’s trade and commerce, contributing significantly to its economic growth. Consequently, the demand for specialised legal services in this area has soared, thereby pushing many talented lawyers to carve a niche for themselves in this sector.

Lawyers in the shipping industry work on a range of legal issues related to maritime law, including shipping contracts, marine pollution, vessel finance, marine insurance, international trade, maritime safety and security. They represent a host of clients such as ship owners, charterers, marine insurers, port authorities, and cargo owners, among others. Here’s a look at some of India’s highly regarded shipping lawyers.

These legal experts not only provide advice on shipping-related matters but also represent their clients in arbitration proceedings and court cases. Their practice often transgresses international borders, requiring them to have a good understanding of not just Indian maritime laws, but also international conventions and treaties.

Divya Dharod

A Senior Associate at Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe, Divya Dharod often handles advisory matters, including charter party agreements. She had the privilege of entering this year’s rankings based on strong recognition.

Ashwin Shanker

Possessing considerable experience in maritime and shipping matters, Ashwin Shanker of the Chambers of George A. Rebello is best known for his expertise in ship arrest matters and arbitration enforcement. He often represents crew members and advises bunker suppliers and charterers.

Rahul Narichania

Operating as a sole practitioner, Rahul Narichania is a highly regarded figure in India’s shipping market. He is particularly well-known for his litigation capabilities in this space.

Zarir Bharucha

Zarir Bharucha from ZBA is a sought-after lawyer in Mumbai for his extensive shipping litigation expertise. He routinely advises on wet and dry shipping disputes, including cargo recovery, and ship arrests.

Prashant Asher

Prashant Asher, based in Mumbai and linked with Crawford Bayley & Co, provides advice on bunker supplier and charter matters. He also represents crew members and is particularly recognised for his engagement in ship recycling issues.

Prashant Pratap

Prashant Pratap of PSP Law Office is a respected figure in Indian shipping law. He assists clients with a range of contentious issues and is especially notable for his contributions to cases involving the arrest of vessels.

Amitava Majumdar

Amitava Majumdar, operating out of the Bose & Mitra & Co Mumbai office, is known for his assistances in maritime disputes. Financial entities and shipping clients prefer him especially the P&I clubs.

Aditya Krishnamurthy

Aditya Krishnamurthy, also a member of Bose & Mitra & Co, helps clients with shipping litigation and arbitration. He is frequently part of discussions involving shipping accidents, charter party disputes, and ship arrests.

Adil Patel

Adil Patel from Bhatt & Saldanha is recognized in the Mumbai shipping market for his advisory services on a plethora of contentious and non-contentious maritime matters and is a regular representative for Indian clients.

Bimal Rajasekhar

Bimal Rajasekhar of ZBA in Mumbai provides counsel on various shipping litigation matters. His experiences include shipping arrest advisory associated with charter party agreement disputes, cargo, and trade finance disputes. He also advises on maritime infrastructure projects and insolvency proceedings.

These lawyers, forceful advocates, business-focused advisors, and expert negotiators, have a singular focus – helping their clients negotiate the legal world of shipping and maritime trade efficiently and seamlessly.