Maritime Regulatory

Featured Publication:

Will 2024 Settle the Turbulence of US Offshore Wind? [Marine Link]

Jeff Vogel contributed an article to Marine Link discussing the challenges the U.S. offshore wind market faced in 2023.

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Cozen O’Connor’s maritime regulatory practice is one of the largest, oldest, and most renowned in the nation. The group has been recognized as one of four Band 1 Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory teams by Chambers and Partners USA. Cozen O’Connor attorneys have also earned a reputation for excellence among top regulators in Washington, D.C. Members of our team have directly shaped U.S. maritime law, testifying before Congress on legislative reforms and serving on U.S. delegations to negotiate and implement bilateral and international transportation and security agreements.

Attorneys at Cozen O’Connor represent major U.S. and non-U.S. liner, roro, bulker, and tanker carriers and shipowners; ocean carrier alliances, pools, and vessel-sharing agreements; equipment pools; ocean carrier associations; international and domestic cruise lines; marine terminal operators; offshore energy operators; entities associated with offshore wind turbines and other marine construction projects; ocean transportation intermediaries; and dredging, towage, and other industrial vessel operators.

We counsel clients on all regulations enforced by the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), including vessel-sharing agreements, tariffs and service contracts, and niche or specialty agreements. Cozen O’Connor’s team has drafted and finalized more liner service contracts and carrier agreements than any other maritime firm group in the United States.

U.S. regulators often oversee the conduct of non-U.S. transportation companies. Our attorneys have deep experience representing non-U.S. clients and helping both U.S. and non-U.S. clientele understand extraterritorial maritime and competition law requirements. We frequently assist clients dealing with non-U.S. governments on issues relating to regulatory compliance and reform. We counsel clients on regulations enforced by the FMC, Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Office of Foreign Assets Control, Military Sealift Command, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Department of Transportation, and Department of Homeland Security.

The firm’s regulatory attorneys advise clients on the flagging or reflagging of vessels according to the maritime laws of the United States, the Republic of Vanuatu, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Liberia. We help clients comply with a litany of other U.S. maritime laws (e.g., Jones Act, Towing and Salvage Statute, Dredging Statute, Passenger Vessel Services Act, and American Fisheries Act) and the requirements of various maritime promotional programs (e.g., cargo preference programs and the Maritime Security Program). We also provide clear guidance on environmental and offshore energy regulations, sanctions, and embargos.

 

Cozen O'Connor has an excellent maritime practice with a solid reputation for advising clients on issues including US sanctions, regulatory compliance and cabotage laws, among others.
Chambers USA 2023
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Experience

Publications

The SHIPS for America Act [Alert]

May 07, 2025

Jeffrey Lewis details the recently introduced Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act.

Federal Maritime Commission Charges Forward with Interim Procedures for OSRA 22 Complaints [Alert]

December 05, 2022

The FMC released “Interim Procedures for Processing Charge Complaints” filed with the Commission under the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022.

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.

California Steams Past FMC on Detention and Demurrage Prohibitions [Alert]

October 06, 2022

The new bill marks an inflection point in an era of increased regulatory scrutiny of maritime practices, particularly detention and demurrage (D&D) charges.

TIMES THEY KEEP A CHANGIN’ — Upcoming Changes to DoD CMMC Program and Cybersecurity Requirements

November 11, 2021

Larry Prosen discusses DoD's Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking updating its existing, relatively young, CMMC model certification to a CMMC 2.0 structure.

Developments in Offshore Wind: Part One [White Paper]

March 17, 2021

Michael Connolly, Amorie Hummel, William Lesser, Heidi Schwartz, Josh Stein, and James Van Orden discuss New Jersey and New York's offshore wind energy policies and what the Biden administration has already done to advance offshore wind energy development in federal waters.

Jones Act Extended to the Pristine Seabed of the Outer Continental Shelf [Alert]

February 03, 2021

Jeff Vogel and Josh Stein discuss CBP’s recent decision that addresses and concedes OMSA’s core issue by now acknowledging that the pristine seabed of the OCS is a coastwise point.

Legislative Update – Congress Acts to Clarify the Application of the Jones Act to Offshore Wind [Alert]

December 07, 2020

Josh Stein discusses the announcement that both chambers of Congress have reached an agreement on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2021 and how it may impact the offshore wind industry.

U.S. Offshore Wind Keeps Spinning in July — Legislative Update [Alert]

July 27, 2020

Josh Stein discusses the regulatory and legislative activity at the end of last year and the early part of this year that could impact the offshore wind industry.

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In The News

Cozen O'Connor Hires Maritime Admin's Former Chief Counsel

May 06, 2025

Jeffrey Lewis, Robert Magovern, and Meridith Moldenhauer were quoted in a Law360 article discussing Jeffrey’s practice and transition to Cozen O’Connor.

Cozen O'Connor Welcomes Maritime Attorney Jeffrey Hardin Lewis to its Transportation and Trade Group

May 05, 2025

Lewis comes to Cozen O'Connor from the federal Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration.

Five Cozen O’Connor Attorneys, One Practice Area Recognized in 2025 Chambers Global Rankings

February 18, 2025

Geoffrey Ferrer, Shane Hardy, Michael Osborne, Melissa Siebert, and Steven Weisz were ranked in their practice areas based on their legal knowledge and experience, ability, effectiveness and client service.

Geoffrey Ferrer Recognized in 2025 Chambers Asia-Pacific Rankings

January 23, 2025

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 2025 Guide.

Josh Stein Appointed Vice Chair of the American Bar Association International Law Section’s International Transportation Committee

December 11, 2024

Josh Stein, a member of the firm’s Transportation & Trade Practice, has been appointed vice chair of the International Transportation Committee of the American Bar Association International Law Section.

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.

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.

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Contacts

Robert K. Magovern

Co-Chair, Transportation & Trade

rmagovern@cozen.com

(202) 463-2539

Geoffrey D. Ferrer

Co-Vice Chair, Transportation & Trade

gferrer@cozen.com

(212) 908-1201

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 230 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.

Eighty-eight Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 23 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2023 Guide

June 05, 2023

Of the 88 lawyers ranked, 17 lawyers have been recognized nationally, and eighteen were recognized in Band 1. Eight of the firm's practice areas have been recognized nationally, and nine were ranked Band 1.

Cozen O’Connor Recognized as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 Practice Areas Nationwide, 115 Practice Areas Regionally

November 30, 2022

U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers recognized Cozen O’Connor as a “Best Law Firm” in 30 practice areas nationwide and 115 practice areas regionally.

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.

82 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 19 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2021 Guide

May 26, 2021

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 82 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2021 edition; of those, 15 lawyers have been recognized nationally.

63 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2020 Guide

May 14, 2020

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the United States, has ranked 63 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the guide’s 2020 edition.

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.

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

August 28, 2019

Best Lawyers selected 138 Cozen O’Connor lawyers from 21 of the firm’s national offices for inclusion in the 2020 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

57 Cozen O’Connor Lawyers, 16 Practices Earn Top Recognition in Chambers USA 2019 Guide

April 25, 2019

Chambers USA, the leading annual guide to the top lawyers and law firms in the USA, has ranked 57 Cozen O’Connor lawyers as leaders in their respective fields in the Guide’s 2019 edition.

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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