DEPARTMENT PROFILE

Blank Rome LLP

Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory

3 ranked lawyers

Band 1

USA - Nationwide

USA 2022 View ranking table

chambers review

department information

Ranked Lawyers

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What the team is known for

Highly acclaimed practice well known for its representation of significant shipping clients on a range of regulatory matters. Has expertise in Jones Act compliance, environmental investigation defense of companies and individuals, and government relations including legislative advice. Advises on maritime cybersecurity issues, including attacks and security breach avoidance. Further strength in counseling shipowners and operators on US trade sanction issues. Offers wider industry expertise in shipping within the context of offshore oil, gas and wind energy compliance matters.

Work highlights

Blank Rome acted for COSCO Shipping Lines in a regulatory dispute before the Federal Maritime Commission regarding the allocation of cargo space during the current conditions of supply chain disruption and delays, as well as advising COSCO's tanker arm on trade sanctions risk management compliance.

Notable practitioners

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.
"Jeanne Grasso is outstanding; she's a former coastguard officer who is a go-to for environmental and maritime work."

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.

Matthew Thomas represents all manner of maritime industry participants including shipowners, 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.

Department Information

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Overview

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