Maritime & Shipping

Ship finance and registration, port and terminal operations at Mombasa and Lamu, cargo claims, charterparty disputes, marine insurance, salvage, and admiralty proceedings in the High Court of Kenya. Advisory work covers Merchant Shipping Act compliance and Kenya Maritime Authority regulatory engagement.

What we advise on. We advise on ship finance and registration, port and terminal operations, charterparty and bill-of-lading disputes, cargo claims, marine insurance and salvage, ship arrest and admiralty proceedings, and maritime regulatory compliance. Our work supports trade flowing through the ports of Mombasa and Lamu and the wider Northern Corridor.

Governing law and regulators. Our work is grounded in the Merchant Shipping Act 2009 and its regulations, the Kenya Maritime Authority Act and applicable international conventions, with admiralty matters heard in the High Court of Kenya exercising its admiralty jurisdiction. We engage the Kenya Maritime Authority and the Kenya Ports Authority on regulatory and operational matters.

Who we act for. We act for shipowners and operators, charterers and cargo interests, freight forwarders and logistics operators, marine insurers and P&I clubs, and port and terminal users. Our clients need fast, decisive advice when a vessel, cargo or claim is at stake.

Why OLM for maritime and shipping. Maritime disputes move at the speed of the tide — a vessel will not wait. We act quickly on arrests and urgent relief, we understand the commercial realities of shipping and trade, and we combine admiralty capability with the dispute-resolution bench to see a claim through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a ship be arrested in Kenya to secure a maritime claim? Yes. The High Court of Kenya exercises admiralty jurisdiction and can order the arrest of a vessel to secure a qualifying maritime claim. We act urgently to obtain or resist arrest, and to arrange security for release.

What law governs cargo claims in Kenya? Cargo claims are governed by the contract of carriage, the Merchant Shipping Act and applicable international conventions. We advise cargo interests and carriers on liability, time bars and the recovery or defence of claims.

How are vessels registered in Kenya? Vessels are registered with the Kenya Maritime Authority under the Merchant Shipping Act, subject to ownership, tonnage and safety requirements. We handle registration and the associated finance and mortgage documentation.

What does maritime law cover in Kenya? It covers shipping, ports, cargo, charterparties, marine insurance, ship finance and admiralty disputes, governed largely by the Merchant Shipping Act 2009. We advise across these areas.