Maritime Commercial Disputes

Maritime commerce moves at a fast pace, and when disputes arise, they can immediately disrupt operations, delay voyages, damage business relationships, and expose companies to significant financial risk. Whether you are a vessel owner, charterer, terminal operator, cargo interest, or marine service provider, you need attorneys who understand the unique pressures of the maritime industry and the federal laws that govern it.

At Gilman & Allison, LLP, our attorneys bring real maritime experience to every case—including U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner credentials, training from the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, and decades spent litigating maritime matters across Texas and the Gulf Coast. We understand how vessel operations, charter party agreements, bills of lading, port logistics, and marine insurance interact in commercial disputes. This allows us to quickly analyze complex facts, protect business interests, and move disputes toward a strategic resolution—whether through negotiation, arbitration, or federal litigation.

We regularly represent clients in disputes involving charter parties, cargo damage, vessel allisions, demurrage, contamination claims, marine insurance issues, port operations, shipyard contracts, offshore service agreements, and commercial disagreements between vessel operators and service companies. Our knowledge of industry practices—combined with our trial experience—gives our clients a significant advantage when facing high-stakes maritime conflicts.