Maritime Litigation

Featured Publication:

Maritime Challenges: A Time to Act Boldly [Marine News]

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing the crucial maritime decisions the 116th Congress faces this year that will have a long lasting impact on our nation’s security and economy.

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Successful resolution of maritime disputes requires not just knowledge of the specific governing body of law, but also a deep understanding of the maritime industry. From Himalaya Clauses to bilge strainers, Cozen O’Connor’s attorneys have detailed maritime knowledge born from decades of extensive experience working within the industry. We put this substantial experience to use helping both U.S. and non-U.S. maritime clients navigate complex disputes around the world.

Our maritime litigation attorneys regularly handle complex maritime litigation. We have appeared before state and federal courts, appellate courts, federal and state administrative agencies (such as the Federal Maritime Commission, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Foreign Asset Control and U.S. Maritime Administration), international and domestic arbitration panels, boards of contract appeals, Congress and international bodies. Cozen O’Connor has successfully prosecuted and defended arbitration proceedings in the United States and overseas.

We represent a diverse array of maritime clients, including the world’s largest ocean carriers, port and terminal operators, P&I Clubs, chassis pools, classification societies, and Fortune 500 companies with bulk shipping capacity.

The firm assists maritime clients in all manner of marine casualty (e.g., collisions, allisions, groundings, container losses and sinkings), as well as loss of cargo and pollution claims. We handle commercial disputes arising from charter parties, construction and shipbuilding contracts, liner service agreements, terminal and equipment leases, and other agreements unique to the maritime industry. Our attorneys handle coverage disputes with regard to cargo, hull, and marine general liability insurance on behalf of marine insurers and insurance syndicates.

Cozen O’Connor regularly counsels clients in disputes to which the U.S. government is a party. We respond to major government investigations, administrative and criminal enforcement actions, appeals of agency decisions to the courts, and high-profile criminal and civil litigation. Cozen O’Connor defends or challenges government contract awards, protests deficiencies in solicitations, and handles disputes that arise during the execution of government contracts.

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Experience

Publications

Maritime Implications of Recent US Supreme Court Rulings [Marine Link]

July 22, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions, which have fundamentally changed the ways laws are interpreted and enforced by federal agencies.

Congress Raises the National Security Alarm on Shipbuilding [Marine Link]

June 06, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing a letter to President Biden that focuses on enhancing the U.S. industrial shipbuilding base in the commercial and military sectors.

Maritime Challenges: A Time to Act Boldly [Marine News]

February 09, 2024

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing the crucial maritime decisions the 116th Congress faces this year that will have a long lasting impact on our nation’s security and economy.

Ask What Your Government Can Do For Your Industry (A 2023 Retrospective) [Marine Link]

December 21, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing what the political leadership in Washington, D.C., accomplished for the maritime industry in 2023.

The Headwinds of US Offshore Wind Development [Marine Link]

October 13, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the status of the development of the U.S. offshore wind industry.

NSMV: The Model for the Future of Government Shipbuilding [Marine Link]

August 16, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the Empire State VIII, the first national Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV).

Time To Meet The U.S. Mariner Shortage Head On [Marine Link]

May 17, 2023

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges of the U.S. mariner shortage.

Congress, GAO Set Their Focus on Cargo Preference Fixes [Maritime Logistics Professionals]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel and Matthew Howell contributed an article for Maritime Logistics Professionals discussing the recent hearing from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I Committee) and Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

US Midterm Elections Bring Changes, Uncertainty in Congressional Maritime Leadership [Marine Link]

November 04, 2022

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the guarantee that leadership changes will occur in some of the critical Congressional leadership positions that will impact the maritime industry.

The Absentee Custodian [Alert]

May 05, 2021

Geoffrey Ferrer, Christopher Raleigh, and Neil Quartaro discuss substitute custodians and the responsibilities of the arresting party.

Ready Your Salad Fork for Biden’s Offshore Energy Plans

April 01, 2021

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to MarineLink discussing Biden's issuance of the "Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad” and the impact this has had on offshore oil and gas development.

Working Out the Election’s Impact on the U.S. Workboat Industry

November 17, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing what impact the election has on the U.S. workboat industry.

Washington Watch: Congress Eyes Maritime Economic Relief [Marine News]

September 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine News discussing how the maritime industry- including the offshore sector- was noticeably absent from the free flow of federal funding in the CARES Act or the subsequent Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act.

Submarine Power Transmission Cables Subject to OPA [Alert]

August 03, 2020

Geoff Ferrer and Anne Mickey discuss the Second Circuit's decision in Power Authority of the State of New York v. M/V ELLEN S. BOUCHARD, and the BARGE B No. 280, their engines, apparel, tackle, boats, appurtenances, etc., in rem, Bouchard Transportation Co., Inc., Motor Tug Ellen S. Bouchard, Inc., No. 280 Corp.

Cruise Lines Forced to Face Helms-Burton Claims [Alert]

April 24, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh warn American companies considering doing business in Cuba to investigate whether their operations could arguably constitute “trafficking” in property that was confiscated by the Castro regime and subject them to claims under the Helms-Burton Act.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules Safe Berth Clause is a Warranty

April 01, 2020

Chris Raleigh and David Loh discuss the Supreme Court's decision in Citgo Asphalt Refining Co. v. Fescati Shipping Co., Ltd., and what owners, charterers, and shippers should do next.

Third Circuit Finds Insured Has Burden of Proving Fortuity Under Yacht Policy

March 30, 2020

David Loh and Chris Raleigh discuss the importance of investigating a loss promptly and retaining appropriate experts to reasonably preserve the facts and circumstances leading up to the loss.

Events & Seminars

Past Events

2024 Seoul Global Conference

October 16, 2024 - Seoul, South Korea

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2024

March 12, 2024 - Stamford, CT

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition 2023

March 21, 2023 - Stamford, CT

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022

November 02, 2022 - Washington, D.C.

CMA Shipping Conference & Exhibition

March 31, 2020 - Stamford, Connecticut

In The News

Cozen O'Connor Vet Leader On Affinity Group, Military Service

November 08, 2024

Kathryn Sobotta was featured in a Law360 article discussing Cozen O’Connor’s veteran attorney resource group and her experience in the military.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its Best Lawyers in America 2025 Edition

August 15, 2024

Best Lawyers selected 242 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America.

How Will a ‘Landmark’ US Supreme Court Ruling Impact the FMC?

August 09, 2024

Jeff Vogel was quoted in a SeatradeMaritime News article discussing the impact the United States Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright may have on the Federal Maritime Commission.

Legal 500 Recognizes Seven Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 16 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2024 Legal Guide

July 10, 2024

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, Maritime, and Mergers & Acquisitions practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Michael Deutsch, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, Jonathon Foglia, David Heffernan, Matthew Howell, James Kwartnik, Robert Magovern, Jeffrey Mullen, Patrick Rizzi, Rachel Schwartz, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2024 Legal Guide.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Neil Quartaro Named Chair of the Maritime Law Association Maritime Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee

October 03, 2023

Neil Quartaro, a member of the firm’s Transportation and Trade Group, has been appointed chair of the Maritime Law Association’s Maritime Bankruptcy and Insolvency Committee.

Super Lawyers Recognizes 27 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys in New York

September 22, 2023

Thirteen attorneys were recognized as Super Lawyers and 14 were named “Rising Stars.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 16 Attorneys in its 2023 Guide

July 10, 2023

Cozen O'Connor's Aviation (Litigation/Regulation), Construction, L&E, M&A (Midmarket), Shipping (Finance and Litigation/Regulation) practices were ranked by the Legal 500.

Geoffrey Ferrer Recognized in 2023 Chambers Asia-Pacific Rankings

December 27, 2022

Cozen O’Connor is pleased to announce that Geoffrey Ferrer, co-vice chair of the firm’s Transportation & Trade group, and a member of the Marshall Islands Bar, has been ranked in the Chambers Asia-Pacific 2023 Guide.

21 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 03, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

More Than 200 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named Best Lawyers and Ones to Watch

August 22, 2022

210 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s nationwide offices for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

US election: reaction from the maritime industry as Joe Biden cruises to the White House

November 10, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing how Joe Biden's administration will impact the maritime sector.

US election: what will the maritime sector need from the Biden administration?

November 09, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing what key changes the Biden administration will need to put in place for the maritime industry.

U.S. election: how has Donald Trump impacted the maritime industry?

November 03, 2020

Jeff Vogel was featured in an article published by Ship Technology discussing Donald Trump’s impact on the maritime industry over the past four years.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 13 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2020 Legal Guide

June 22, 2020

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Stephen Cozen, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Christopher Sweeney, and Jeff Vogel to its 2020 Legal Guide.

Contacts

Geoffrey D. Ferrer

Co-Vice Chair, Transportation & Trade

gferrer@cozen.com

(212) 908-1201

Wayne R. Rohde

Member

wrohde@cozen.com

(202) 463-2507

People

Awards

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 31 Practice Areas Nationwide, 54 Practice Areas Regionally

November 07, 2024

In 2024, Best Lawyers received more than 100,000 client references and observed a 65% increase in client participation in their survey.

Nearly 100 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 27 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2024 Guide

June 10, 2024

Chambers USA rankings are based on an “assessment of a firm’s work and opinions from external market sources, with an emphasis on client feedback.” In order to be ranked in the guide, lawyers and firms must demonstrate “sustained excellence.”

Best Lawyers Honors More Than 200 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to its Best Lawyers in America 2024 Edition

August 17, 2023

Best Lawyers selected 232 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 24 of the firm’s U.S. offices for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

Business Today Names 32 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys to Its Top 10 Lists

July 28, 2023

These lists recognize lawyers “mastering,” “leading,” “revolutionizing,” and “dominating” their fields in their respective states and nationwide.

21 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

October 03, 2022

Super Lawyers has named 21 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2022 New York Metro Super Lawyers and Rising Stars lists.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 14 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2022 Legal Guide

July 11, 2022

For 30 years, The Legal 500 has assessed the strengths of law firms in more than 100 jurisdictions. The rankings use a series of criteria, including client feedback, submissions from law firms, and interviews with leading private practice lawyers.

Chambers Ranks 86 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 22 Practice Areas in Chambers USA 2022 Guide

June 02, 2022

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 86 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2022 edition.

Legal 500 Recognizes Six Cozen O’Connor Practice Areas and 12 Cozen O'Connor Attorneys in its 2021 Legal Guide

June 17, 2021

The Legal 500 United States named Cozen O’Connor’s Aviation, Construction, Immigration, Insurance, and Maritime practices and Cozen O’Connor attorneys Scott Bettridge, Raymond DeLuca, Geoffrey Ferrer, Bruce Ficken, David Heffernan, Jeffrey Lawrence, Robert Magovern, Anne Mickey, Jeffrey Mullen, Josh Stein, Jeff Vogel, and Rachel Welford to its 2021 Legal Guide.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized As a Best Law Firm in 24 Practice Areas Nationwide, 106 Practice Areas Regionally

November 05, 2019

The U.S. News – Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer review from leading attorneys in their field.

17 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Recognized as New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

September 27, 2019

Super Lawyers has named 17 Cozen O'Connor attorneys to its 2019 New York Super Lawyers and Rising Stars list.

125 Cozen O’Connor Attorneys Named to the Best Lawyers in America

August 22, 2018

One hundred twenty-five Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 20 of the firm’s national offices have been selected for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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