Why it matters
Poorly structured sale and purchase agreements may lead to disputes over title, delivery, payment, vessel condition, liabilities or documentation. In demolition sales, additional issues may arise in relation to delivery, risk transfer and compliance. Early legal input helps ensure that the transaction structure reflects the parties’ commercial understanding.
It also helps make sure that the key documents properly address risk allocation, closing mechanics and related issues. This is particularly important in cross-border or time-sensitive transactions. The same applies where financing, security or regulatory factors are involved.
Our services
Newbuilding
Our lawyers have extensive experience in newbuilding projects and are ready to assist with:
- drafting and negotiating
- shipbuilding contracts
- vessel technical specifications
- yard performance guarantees
- coordinating pre-delivery inspections
- IMO and EU requirements for alternative-fuel vessels
Second Hand
Our team has specialist knowledge in second-hand sale and purchase transactions. We identify and address potential issues at the negotiation stage to ensure smooth closing, and assist with post-closing matters. Our services include:
- memorandum of agreement (MoA)
- due diligence and title review
- negotiation support
- delivery and acceptance
flag registration and insurance arrangements
Recycling
Our experience with complex and non-standard matters in the recycling sector enables us to provide end-to-end legal support for clients selling tonnage for recycling and demolition. We work across all sectors — tankers, dry bulk, containers, offshore units and other tonnage — and assist with:
- memorandum of Agreement (MoA)
- drafting and negotiation
- delivery conditions and risk transfer
- customs and environmental compliance for demolition
- insurance arrangements
After Closing
Our Approach
Deep knowledge of law and the industry
Rabomizo works with the norms of international maritime law and national maritime codes of various jurisdictions, grounded in a deep understanding of shipping operations and the commercial realities of the industry.
Experience in dispute resolution in international jurisdictions
We have represented clients in London, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine, Switzerland, Oman and other jurisdictions.
Rapid response in crisis situations
Understanding of shipping operations
Our solutions take into account not only legal aspects but also the practical side of a shipowner’s or operator’s business. Clients do not need to spend time explaining – we understand the complexity of maritime processes and provide full support.
Successful Cases
Sale, purchase & demolition of a refrigerated cargo vessel across 5 jurisdictions
Background
The Ukrainian shipowner based in Spain had started negotiations with a potential seller to buy a Refrigerated cargo vessel. At some stage of negotiations it appeared that the vessel needed to be sold together with a company registered as a Limited Partnership in the UK. At this point the client decided to involve us to avoid complications and manage the future risks.
Further sale for demolition
After 5 years the same shipowner again approached us to sell the vessel for demolition through the Greek branch of Dubai based cash-buyers with a beaching location in India.
Solution
1. We drafted a proper Agreement for sale and purchase of a business
Prepared the necessary corporate documents for the change of partners prepared and submitted to the UK Companies House, including the notices regarding the partners change
Proper internal documentation (shareholders agreement, loan agreement etc.) was signed by the shipowner and new managers
We also made sure the statutory changes of name and address of the company were performed properly under English law.
2. In the case of demolition: complex transaction had many unexpected issues, such as local insurance requirements and liabilities under international obligations, as well as the mistrust and misunderstanding among the parties.
Result
1. The shipowner had a successful purchase of the vessel without any claims from the former creditors and all the vessel's debts remained the sole obligation of the sellers.
2. As for demolition: we have insured that the interests of the shipowner were safeguarded and brought the parties to the closing meeting and successful transfer of funds.
Advising a European Company
Consultation regarding a vessel and cargo blocked in the port of Mykolaiv following the introduction of martial law in Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
Advising a Ukrainian Shipowner
Advice on financing vessel operations, including analysis of the company’s financial situation and assessment of maritime claims.
Representation of a Bulgarian Shipowner
Representation in negotiations regarding claims by Upton Trade & Globe AG for damages.
About us
Rabomizo law firm advises businesses engaged in transport and international trade, operating where assets, goods and services are crossing borders and changing the legal regimes. We support our clients in structuring solid business agreements, managing the risks and making decisions within complex multi-jurisdictional frameworks.
If the claims, delays, sanctions, restrictions, or disputes arise, we develop and implement a legal strategy, representing clients across the jurisdictions and legal systems. Our work combines sector knowledge with a clear understanding of the international regulatory environment.
We do not propose standardised solutions. We analyse the risks, assess the legal and commercial exposure, and provide clear, commercially grounded advice in cross-border matters.
