Department profile
Blank Rome LLP

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory

USA Guide 2026 : USA - Nationwide

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Blank Rome LLP

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About

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

  • Teams in Washington, D.C., Houston and New York cover compliance counseling, training, risk mitigation, corporate investigations, enforcement action defense, administrative litigation, and government relations
  • Liaise with all regulators overseeing the industry; our relationships with their key personnel are central to our strength
  • Our Firm’s top shipping litigation and finance practices are crucial; complex regulatory, litigation and transactional efforts are often interconnected
  • We have vast experience defending companies and individuals facing environmental investigations of casualties or alleged intentional misconduct – many with criminal elements and involving potential/intentional Clean Water Act and MARPOL violations
  • Our depth of knowledge and capabilities are unmatched in compliance with and enforcement of issues involving the Jones Act and other coastwise trade laws. Here, we often are local U.S. counsel for international shipping law firms
  • One of few firms advising the industry on the threats of cyber-attacks, how best to protect against breaches, and assisting clients with cyber-audits and investigations
  • We have considerable knowledge of offshore regulatory compliance issues for the oil, gas, and wind energy industries
  • The “go-to” firm for domestic and international clients worldwide regarding ballast water management compliance requirements. We’ve sought hundreds of compliance-date extensions, dealt with enforcement actions, and often speak worldwide on risk and liability

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory - USA - Nationwide

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Blank Rome LLP has a highly acclaimed practice well known for its representation of significant shipping clients in a range of regulatory matters. It has expertise in Jones Act compliance, environmental investigation defense of companies and individuals, and government relations including legislative advice. The firm advises on maritime cybersecurity issues, including attacks and security breach avoidance. It has further strength in counseling ship owners and operators on US trade sanction issues. The team offers wider industry expertise in shipping within the context of offshore oil, gas and wind energy compliance matters.
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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome represented Grace Ocean Drive in the estimated $3 billion case whereby the vessel M/V DALI collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Their client is the owner and operator of the vessel.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Blank Rome get the job done, in some cases which have been near to impossible.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory respondentUSA

  • The lawyers from Blank Rome provide comprehensive knowledge of the global marine industry.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory respondentUSA

  • Blank Rome takes a pragmatic approach to problems, and it also has a good network of connections in the industry.

    Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory respondentUSA

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jeanne Grasso
    Jeanne Grasso

    Jeanne Grasso

    Jeanne Grasso is held in high esteem for her representation of owners, cargo interests and operators. She advises clients on general regulatory compliance as well as investigations and enforcement proceedings.
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  • Jonathan K Waldron
    Jonathan K Waldron

    Jonathan K Waldron

    Jonathan Waldron has an impressive reputation for his work in maritime environmental compliance, international trade and Jones Act work. Clients additionally benefit from his 20 years of service in the US Coast Guard.
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  • Matthew J Thomas
    Matthew J Thomas

    Matthew J Thomas

    Matthew Thomas represents all manner of maritime industry participants including ship owners, insurers, ports and marine terminal operators. An expert in maritime logistics, he is particularly recognized for his expertise in trade sanctions issues concerning sector clients.

    • Matthew is very helpful and overall an excellent lawyer.

      Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory respondentUSA
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Ranked Individuals at Blank Rome LLP (3)

USA - Nationwide

Members

Provided by Blank Rome LLP

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