Department profile
Blank Rome LLP

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Blank Rome LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

  • Our maritime litigators handle all kinds of shipping disputes -- including arbitration -- all around the world, including for owners, operators, shipyards, charterers, cargo interests, P&I clubs, commercial and investment banks, and private equity funds
  • We have vast experience in defending companies and individuals subject to environmental investigations of casualty events or alleged intentional misconduct – many with criminal elements, and involving potential violations of the Clean Water Act and/or the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)​
  • Our “Maritime Emergency Response Team” is on call around the clock to respond to pollution-related incidents and vessel casualties. At a moment’s notice, a member of our team will fly to the incident site, and manage potential civil and criminal consequences
  • We’re one of few firms advising the maritime industry on the threats of cyber-attacks, how best to protect against breaches, and assisting clients with cyber-audits and investigations
  • New York is the largest part of our shipping litigation practice – the largest such practice in the United States, with a strong presence on the East and Gulf Coasts and in Los Angeles
  • Our complementary shipping finance practice has worked on several groundbreaking maritime Chapter 11 and 15 cases
  • Our strong, complementary shipping regulatory practice in Washington, D.C. also gives us a considerable advantage over other firms

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Blank Rome LLP has an esteemed practice with significant experience handling high profile maritime litigation for national and international clients, including P&I clubs, shipping companies and owners. The firm is highly regarded for crisis response and offering additional expertise in alternative dispute resolution. It maintains an excellent reputation for advising maritime industry entities in federal investigations arising from intentional misconduct allegations and casualty events, as well as in a host of cybersecurity issues. The firm has been recently active on a range of fuel contamination, cargo loss, salvage and collision cases.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome represents Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd in the investigation over the vessel M/V DALI's collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, with the estimated value of $3 billion.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome is speedy to respond and has the breadth to reach across so many US states.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • John D Kimball
    John D Kimball

    John D Kimball

    John Kimball frequently assists clients with maritime casualty disputes including ship fires, collisions and sinkings. He is also adept at handling shipping arbitrations.
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  • William R. Bennett
    William R. Bennett

    William R. Bennett

    William Bennett is well known for his strong shipping practice, typically advising clients on maritime casualties resulting from collisions, groundings and sinkings. He is also well placed to handle maritime-related fraud disputes.

    • William is a great well-rounded attorney for casualties, dry work and cargo disputes. He has very clear and concise reporting and is able to focus on the important issues.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondentUSA

    • William is an excellent communicator; he's fast, concise and clear, and he puts together an efficient team to respond to our needs.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondentUSA
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  • Thomas H Belknap Jr
    Thomas H Belknap Jr

    Thomas H Belknap Jr

    Thomas Belknap has deep expertise in shipping litigation with significant capabilities in cargo damage claims and contract and salvage disputes.

    • Thomas is a key contact in marine insurance and transport of goods; he is always on call and very hard-working.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondentUSA

    • Thomas is knowledgeable and able to think outside the box, providing clear and relatable advice while not shying away from making his thoughts clear.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Blank Rome LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

  • Profile image of John D Kimball

    John D Kimball

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

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  • Profile image of William R. Bennett

    William R. Bennett

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

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  • Profile image of Thomas H Belknap Jr

    Thomas H Belknap Jr

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York)

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Members

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

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