Maritime and inland waterway law / cargo carriage
Maritime and inland-waterway law: carriage of goods
Sea and inland-waterway carriage may be governed by the Russian Merchant Shipping Code, the Inland Water Transport Code, applicable international conventions and contractual terms. Bills of lading, charterparties, general average and carrier-liability limits each require a separate legal and limitation-period analysis.
I handle cargo-carriage disputes involving bills of lading, charterparties and carrier liability under the Russian Merchant Shipping Code and, where applicable, international carriage rules. Matters include cargo damage or loss, delay, bill-of-lading discrepancies, general average and charter disputes. Inland-waterway matters are analysed under the Russian Inland Water Transport Code and the relevant contracts.
Initial assessment
When assistance may be needed and what the work can cover
IndicatorsSigns that the issue is already active
- cargo is damaged, lost or delayed and a claim against the carrier is being considered
- a bill of lading records quantity, weight or cargo condition differently from the actual shipment
- a charterparty was not performed or performance departed from the agreed terms
- the carrier relies on a statutory or treaty-based limitation of liability
Work that may be requiredSteps that affect the position
- review of the carriage structure: bill of lading, charterparty, booking note and freight-forwarding documents
- assessment of carrier and insurer liability under the applicable Russian statutes, contract and international rules
- preparation of claims with attention to special notice and limitation periods that may apply to maritime matters
- representation before Russian commercial courts, including use of maritime or logistics experts where needed
Tools
What may be used to defend the position
Litigation-ready position
prepared for court and, where justified, interim measures
Contract templates
adapted to recurring risks in future shipments
Need a position on the case?
Describe the matter on Telegram: the document received, its date, the amount at risk and what has already been sent to the other party or authority.
Initial contact
Describe the situation — I will start with the document and deadline
Describe what you received, the date, the amount at risk and what has already been submitted. The first practical step will be clear after review.
Materials on this issue