Maritime & Customs Law Practice
Maritime & Shipping Lawyers in the UAE | Vessel Arrest, Cargo & Customs Disputes
Maritime and shipping disputes require timely, commercially focused legal advice. MBH Advocates & Legal Consultants advises shipowners, charterers, cargo owners, freight forwarders, marine insurers and businesses involved in UAE ports and international trade.
Our maritime legal services include ship arrest and vessel release, charterparty disagreements, cargo loss and damage, bills of lading, marine insurance, collisions, salvage and customs disputes. We assess the contracts, available evidence, competent court or arbitral forum, urgent remedies and enforcement options relevant to each matter.
UAE legal framework: Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023 Concerning the Maritime Law is a principal source of UAE maritime law. The applicable provisions and procedural requirements depend on the particular claim. Read the official UAE maritime legislation.
Maritime and Customs Services
MBH Advocates assists clients with shipping contracts, cargo claims, maritime disputes and customs-related matters in the UAE. The consultation begins with your objectives, the documents available and the current stage of the matter.
To prepare for a consultation, gather shipping and transport documents, contracts, invoices, customs correspondence and records of the incident or loss. Highlight disputed points and tell the team about any notice, hearing or other time-sensitive development.
We discuss the issues raised by the documents and the available next steps for your matter. The proposed approach depends on the facts, applicable rules and competent authority; no outcome or timeframe is guaranteed.
We offer expert advice and services on
Vessel ownership disputes and charter party agreements
Documentation for vessel owners, agents, and shipping lines
Port and terminal documentation and compliance
Customs documentation, clearance, duties, and tariff disputes
Customs penalties, inspections, and enforcement proceedings
Marine insurance and reinsurance claims
Bunker disputes
Cargo loss, damage, and recovery
Collisions, groundings, and marine accidents
Maritime and shipping contracts
Maritime fraud and compliance investigations
Salvage, towage, wreck removal, and general average claims
Ship arrest, detention, and release of vessels
Ship sale, purchase, and financing transactions
CALL US NOW
Speak to Our Legal Experts Today
DUBAI
AJMAN
SHARJAH
Send us a message!
UAE maritime and customs law: key legal questions
Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023 concerning Maritime Law is the principal modern federal maritime framework. Customs disputes can also involve federal, emirate-level and GCC customs rules, depending on the issue.
The competent forum depends on the claim. Maritime disputes may proceed before civil or commercial courts or arbitration, while customs matters can involve the relevant customs authority, ports authority and administrative or judicial challenge routes.
Bills of lading, charterparties, shipping contracts, manifests, customs declarations, invoices, inspection reports, surveyor evidence, port records, correspondence and evidence of cargo loss or delay are commonly important.
Available relief may include cargo or freight claims, damages, payment, vessel-related security measures where legally available, contractual relief, customs refund or challenge remedies and enforcement of maritime claims.
A matter may involve notice and preservation of evidence, survey or expert inspection, customs or port procedures, court or arbitration proceedings, judgment or award, and enforcement against assets where legally available.
Commercial disputes connected with DIFC or ADGM may fall within their courts if jurisdiction exists, but maritime operations, customs clearance and port regulation remain closely tied to the relevant UAE and emirate authorities.
Last reviewed: 23 September 2026. Maritime and customs matters are highly document- and location-specific, so current port, customs and federal rules should be checked.
Why Choose Mbh Advocates And Legal Consultants
At MBH advocates and legal consultants, we are more than just legal advisors — we are strategic partners committed to protecting your interests and guiding you toward success. Our reputation is built on trust, integrity, and a deep understanding of UAE laws and regulations.
With a team of experienced lawyers across diverse practice areas, we provide clear, practical, and results-driven solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether representing individuals, family businesses, or multinational corporations, we deliver the same level of dedication and professionalism in every case.
What sets us apart is our client-focused approach. We take the time to listen, understand, and anticipate challenges before they arise. By combining legal expertise with commercial insight, we ensure that our advice not only resolves today’s issues but also safeguards your future.
Ship Arrest, Vessel Release and Maritime Claims
A ship arrest or vessel release request requires evidence of the maritime claim, vessel particulars, ownership, security and compliance with the applicable procedural requirements. The appropriate relief and counterarguments require urgent case-specific assessment.
Charterparty, Cargo Loss and Bills of Lading
Charterparty disputes can concern freight, unpaid hire, demurrage, off-hire and contractual performance. Cargo claims involve bills of lading, damaged or missing goods, surveys, notices, limitation provisions and liability defences.
Marine Insurance, Salvage and Collisions
Marine incidents may involve collision responsibility, salvage remuneration, general average and insurance coverage. We review technical reports, policy terms, exclusions, causation and available recovery remedies.
Customs Clearance, Classification and Penalties
Customs disputes can involve classification, valuation, origin, detained cargo, penalties and clearance. The GCC Common Customs Law and rules of the competent customs authority must be considered. Official GCC customs law.
Maritime Litigation, Arbitration and Evidence
Our process covers urgent evidence preservation, jurisdiction review, contractual and documentary analysis, assessment of the opposing case, legal submissions, negotiation, proceedings and enforcement planning. Request a maritime dispute review.
UAE Maritime Law: Frequently Asked Questions
Possibly, for qualifying maritime claims where applicable legal and procedural requirements are met.
Depending on the circumstances, a court may consider security or a successful legal challenge to the arrest.
Liability depends on the contract, bill of lading, facts, evidence and applicable defences.
A dispute concerning rights or obligations under a vessel charter, including hire, freight and delays.
Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023 is a key modern maritime statute; verify its application and current version.
Potentially, subject to the policy, evidence, jurisdiction and governing law.
Vessel particulars, charter, bill of lading, invoices, survey reports, correspondence and insurance records.
No. The competent forum and procedure must be determined separately.
The competent customs authority, decision, tariff classification and objection rules require review.
No. Applicable deadlines depend on the claim and legal regime and must be verified.
The arbitration agreement and applicable jurisdictional rules determine the available route.
No. The law, evidence and court decision determine the outcome.
22 October 2026. Verify current law and applicable procedure for each case.