Maritime & Admiralty Law

Summit Legal Firm provides expert legal solutions in the complex field of maritime and admiralty law. With Nigeria’s strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea and increasing global trade activities, we support clients operating across the maritime and shipping sectors—ranging from shipowners and charterers to port operators, marine insurers, logistics companies, and international investors. Our goal is to ensure clients remain compliant with maritime regulations, resolve disputes swiftly, and protect commercial interests at sea and in port.

We offer guidance on regulatory frameworks under international conventions such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and UNCLOS, as well as compliance with Nigerian maritime laws governed by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the Merchant Shipping Act. Our lawyers are experienced in both transactional and contentious matters within the maritime industry.

Ship Registration, Financing & Charter Agreements

We assist clients in vessel registration, bareboat charters, cabotage compliance, and ship mortgage financing. From drafting ship lease agreements to advising on charterparty disputes, our team ensures all documentation and negotiations are in line with national and international maritime standards. We work closely with financiers, shipping companies, and offshore energy operators to support safe and lawful maritime transactions.

Marine Insurance, Cargo Claims & Collisions

Summit Legal Firm advises on marine insurance policies, indemnities, and liability coverage for cargo, hull, machinery, and third-party risks. We represent clients in claims arising from cargo loss, freight disputes, vessel collisions, and general average situations. Our approach blends commercial understanding with deep regulatory knowledge to mitigate losses and expedite claim resolution.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING STRATEGIC LEGAL COUNSEL THAT SUPPORTS NAVIGATION, SAFETY, AND COMPLIANCE ACROSS ALL MARITIME OPERATIONS.

Litigation & Maritime Arbitration

When disputes arise, our litigation team represents clients before Nigerian admiralty courts and international arbitration panels. We handle claims involving demurrage, port dues, environmental pollution, salvage, ship arrest, and crewing issues. Our experience with LMAA, ICC, and UNCITRAL arbitration rules enables us to resolve cross-border maritime disputes efficiently and in our clients' best interests.