Navigate with Authority. Operate with Confidence.
Nigeria’s ports and territorial waters form the indispensable artery for national and regional trade, handling over 80% of the country’s international commerce. This critical gateway is a nexus of immense opportunity and complex risk, governed by a demanding interplay of international conventions, stringent national regulations, and high-stakes commercial imperatives.
At Hendon Partners, we provide the legal stability required to navigate these volatile waters. We are the ideal legal counsel for entities operating within one of Africa’s most vital and challenging maritime jurisdictions. Our practice is dedicated to helping clients secure vessel release and manage arrests, ensure seamless compliance with NIMASA and NPA regulations, enforce charterparty and cargo claims, and structure robust port concession and terminal operating agreements. We enable our clients to operate with confidence, turning jurisdictional complexity into a competitive advantage.
The inherent risks of maritime commerce—port congestion, cargo damage, regulatory penalties, and contractual disputes—are inevitable. Hendon Partners help client transform these risks into managed, resolvable challenges. Our value lies in our end-to-end expertise across the full spectrum of maritime activity, coupled with a profound, practical understanding of the operational realities within Nigerian ports and territorial waters.
We offer more than legal advice; we provide commercial certainty. Our team possesses deep, actionable knowledge of the key regulatory bodies—the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Nigeria Customs Service. This enables us to offer not just reactive dispute resolution but proactive, strategic guidance that safeguards operations, protects assets, and ensures commercial continuity.
We advise a broad spectrum of clients who rely on the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime sector, including:
- Ship Owners, Operators, and Charterers
- Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Clubs and Marine Insurers
- Port Terminal Operators and Concessionaires
- Freight Forwarders, Logistics Companies, and Haulage Operators
- Offshore Support Service and Supply Vessel Providers
- Commodity Importers, Exporters, and Trading Houses
Our maritime and shipping legal expertise and services include:
Admiralty & Dispute Resolution
We act decisively in crises to protect your assets and commercial position.
- Vessel Arrest, Release, and Defense against Arrest Actions
- Maritime Liens and Mortgage Enforcement
- Cargo Damage, Loss, and Short-landing Claims Litigation
- Collision, Allision, and Salvage Dispute Resolution
- Crew Injury Claims and Seafarer Disputes
- Arbitration and Mediation for Maritime Contractual Disputes
Regulatory Compliance & Port Operations
We guide you through the regulatory landscape to avoid penalties and delays.
- Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Compliance, including Cabotage (Coastal and Inland Shipping) Act matters
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Regulations and Port State Control (PSC) Inspections
- Nigeria Customs Service Procedures, Disputes, and Demand Notices
- Port Concession Agreements and Terminal Operations Regulatory Support
- Environmental Compliance and Pollution Incident Response (MARPOL)
- Flag and Port State Registration and Documentation
Commercial Shipping & Contracts
We draft and negotiate the agreements that form the backbone of your operations.
- Drafting, Review, and Negotiation of Charterparties (Time, Voyage, Bareboat)
- Bills of Lading and Sea Waybill Disputes
- Freight Forwarding, Logistics, and Haulage Agreements
- Ship Building, Sale, Purchase, and Finance Documentation
- Agency and Management Agreements for Shipping Lines
- Ship Repair and Dry-docking Contracts
Marine Insurance & Risk Recovery
We ensure you recover losses and navigate insurance complexities.
- Recovery Actions for Marine Hull and Machinery Claims
- Cargo Insurance Claim Resolution and Subrogation
- Defense of P&I Club Claims in Nigerian Jurisdiction
- General Average Declarations and Adjustments
- Insurance Policy Drafting and Coverage Opinion
Offshore & Energy Logistics
We support the intricate maritime interface of Nigeria’s energy sector.
- Legal Support for Offshore Supply Vessel (OSV) Operations
- Contracts for Platform Supply, Anchor Handling, Tug, and Crewboat Services
- Compliance with Offshore Safety and Operational Regulations
- Dispute Resolution for Offshore Service Contractors
In the demanding environment of Nigerian maritime commerce, your legal counsel must be as robust and dynamic as the waters you traverse. We combine authoritative legal expertise with pragmatic, commercial insight to safeguard your ventures and secure your passage.
Contact our Maritime & Shipping practice to steer your operations toward secure harbor.