Admiralty and Maritime

Represented Japanese shipowners and underwriters in claims arising out of a collision in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico.

Represented owners, hull and machinery underwriters and the P&I Club of a passenger ship in claims arising out of a major collision with a bulk carrier at the mouth of the Mississippi River.

Represented vessel interests and their underwriters in claims arising out of sinkings, allisions and collisions in the Panama Canal.

Represented a ship-breaking company in wrongful death and personal injury actions.

Represented a national galvanizing company and a marine and transportation equipment manufacturer in collection disputes.

Lead trial counsel in dismissal before trial of local marine company in mesothelioma action by former employee.

Represented a marine consulting company in a criminal investigation relating to a multi-billion dollar environmental project.

Represented a large shipping company in 16 separate transactions totaling $40 million, involving the sale of U.S. Government Guaranteed Ship Financing Bonds.

Represented a large shipping company in the sale of $31,586,000 in U.S. Government Guaranteed Ship Financing Notes and Bonds.

Represented a large shipping company in regard to an $18,680,000 public offering.

Represented a large shipping company in a $40 million seven-year unsecured financing.

Successfully defended four lawsuits, an ICC arbitration, and two appeals to the U.S. Fourth Circuit in securing confirmation of an international arbitral award on behalf of an international petroleum company, which resulted in the dismissal of more than $100 million in claims, and ordered reimbursement to the client of over $730,000 in attorneys' fees and arbitration costs.

Represented marine paint distributor in nationwide class action and in several other cases for alleged microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) involving approximately 3,000 barges.

Represented owners, hull and machinery underwriters and P&I Club of a passenger ship involved in a major collision with a bulk carrier at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Substantial hull, machinery and detention damages were sustained by the ships, numerous personal injuries and property damage claims were filed as a result of the collision, and a class action was asserted on behalf of the 1,200 passengers on board the cruise ship. The bulk carrier was found 90% at fault for the collision and the clients were awarded damages of approximately $12 million.

Represented European financial institution in a first preferred ship mortgage foreclosure action against two parcel tankers in Houston and New Orleans. Numerous competing liens arising under the laws of various foreign countries had to be defended. Client successfully recovered proceeds in excess of $45 million from the public auction sale of both ships.

Represented a ship owner and P&I Club in a personal injury case involving a longshoreman who sustained crushing injuries when a cargo of zinc ingots collapsed on him during discharge operations. Substantial award to injured longshoreman was reversed on appeal and judgment was rendered in favor of the ship owner.

Represented the world's largest offshore drilling company in a claim brought by a major oil company arising out of a riser separation incident. Claims were in excess of $80 million and were successfully settled with the participation of various London market underwriters.

Represented a regional bank in connection with the default by an entity borrower and its guarantor of various loans secured by certain marine assets.