Maritime Law
Specialised legal advice in maritime law in Mallorca
The maritime sector has its own specific rules and a technical component that require specialised legal advice. Disputes arising from navigation, charter operations, purchase and sale of vessels, accidents at sea or administrative sanctioning proceedings need a professional approach and experience in nautical, port and administrative regulations.
Maritime law expertise in the Mediterranean
In Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, the team at Feliu Bellapart Abogados provides comprehensive legal support to vessel owners, shipping companies, charter operators, shipyards, insurers and private clients, representing them before the competent courts and tribunals as well as before the Maritime Authorities, Harbour Authorities and other public administrations.
Services in Maritime Law
Maritime contracts and nautical operations
The firm intervenes in the drafting, review and negotiation of contracts related to nautical activity, often coordinating with other practice areas of the firm. Among our key services are:
- Nautical contracts and management, in coordination with the Civil and Commercial Contracting department.
- Advice on the purchase and sale of vessels and moorings, including documentary review, guarantees and tax aspects.
- Charter licences in the Balearic Islands, in coordination with the Administrative Law area.
- Flagging and changes of flag, in coordination with the Administrative Law area.
These services help ensure complex nautical operations are carried out with full legal certainty and reduce the risk of future disputes.
Feliu Bellapart Abogados acts in cases involving accidents at sea, damage to vessels, collisions, navigational negligence and salvage or maritime‑assistance operations. An accurate reconstruction of the facts and a technical assessment of the damages are essential for effective defence or claims.
The team advises in disputes with marine insurers —such as disagreements over coverage, assessment of damages or application of deductibles— and in claims against shipyards for construction defects, defective repairs or contractual breaches.
A detailed analysis of each case allows the team to determine liability and choose the most appropriate route for pursuing the claim.
The firm acts in urgent proceedings to secure maritime claims:
- Arrest of vessels, in coordination with the Commercial Jurisdiction area.
- Enforcement of maritime claims, either through judicial proceedings or prior negotiations.
These mechanisms are key to ensuring the recovery of debts linked to the vessel or to the maritime activity.
The team advises on sanctioning proceedings and matters related to maritime and port activities, acting both at the administrative level and before the courts:
- Appeals and defence against maritime sanctions, in coordination with Administrative Law and the Administrative‑Law Jurisdiction area.
- Processing and defence in connection with licences, moorings, port authorisations, maritime safety and actions taken by the Maritime Authorities or Harbour Authorities.
Many maritime issues are cross‑border in nature. The firm advises on cases involving foreign flags, contracts governed by international law, incidents occurring outside Spanish waters and proceedings where jurisdiction and the applicable law must be determined. The team also acts in maritime arbitration when this is provided for in the contract.
Every maritime transaction and dispute requires legal certainty, technical expertise and close, tailored support.
Feliu Bellapart Abogados is your legal ally in protecting your interests in the nautical and maritime sector in Mallorca and throughout Spain.
Frequently asked questions about Maritime Law
It includes nautical contracts, charter operations, purchase and sale of vessels, accidents at sea, claims against insurers, port and maritime sanctions and administrative procedures before maritime authorities.
Yes. These are technically complex transactions with a high financial risk. Professional legal review ensures legal certainty and prevents future conflicts.
Yes. It is possible to claim material damages, associated costs and, in some cases, liability arising from salvage or maritime assistance.
It is an urgent measure to secure the recovery of a maritime claim. It allows the vessel to be immobilised until the dispute is resolved or the payment is guaranteed.
You may file objections and administrative appeals, and where necessary bring an action before the administrative‑law courts. It is advisable to act promptly to avoid harmful consequences.
Yes. These are common procedures that require coordination with the relevant administrative authorities and compliance with international regulations.
It may determine the applicable law and the competent jurisdiction. For this reason it is crucial to analyse the international element from the outset of the case.