Ports & Harbours

We act for a significant number of ports and harbours across the UK and have a real understanding of the complexities involved in running and managing these important economic areas. 

Drawing on our multi-disciplinary team to support on a wide range of legal issues, we are nationally recognised for our expertise including advising on the processes, guidance and requirements in relation to obtaining harbour orders, statutory harbour powers as well as marine regulation more broadly. We regularly draft and review byelaws, harbour directions, general directions and pilotage directions and can advise on the correct process for bringing them into force. 

We also advise our clients on property management issues, marine construction & infrastructure projects, procurement and subsidy control, environmental and planning laws, acquisitions & disposals, commercial & contract matters, finance, disputes, employment and health & safety law
. 
We use our industry expertise and experience to ensure that we bring real value to our clients, building long term and collaborative partnerships to deliver. 

Our Ports & Harbours experience

• Acting in relation to over 25 Harbour Order applications in Great Britain during 2023.
• Acting for a major port on various property management matters at one of the largest logistics parks in Europe and the adjacent deep sea container port. Our work includes advice on landlord and tenant matters, acquisitions and disposals and development.
• Advising a major UK Port in respect of the impact of the Common Transit Convention and the provision of Office of Departure and Destination, as well as the Office of Transit functions following the end of the Transition Period for Brexit.
• Assisting with numerous commercial agreements and MoUs between harbour authorities and their clients; reviewing / drafting standard terms and conditions, and advising on their interaction with statutory harbour powers, duties and pilotage.
• Advising and defending statutory harbour authority cClients in relation to challenges against harbour dues, including claims in restitution in Court and section 31 Harbours Act 1964 challenges (Department for Transport and the Planning Inspectorate).