What Is Maritime Law in Spain?
Maritime law (Derecho Marítimo) in Spain governs legal matters related to the sea, shipping, ports, and marine commerce. It combines national law, EU directives, and international conventions like the IMO and UNCLOS.
Spain’s maritime legal framework includes:
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⚖️ Spanish Navigation Law (Ley de Navegación Marítima)
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🛳️ Port and Merchant Marine Law
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📜 International maritime conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, Hague-Visby Rules)
🧾 Key Areas of Maritime Law in Spain
🚢 Ship Registration & Ownership
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Spanish flag registration at the Registro de Buques y Empresas Navieras
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Tonnage, inspections, and classification compliance
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Ownership rights and foreign shipholding structures
✅ Spanish-flagged ships enjoy EU maritime freedom and port privileges
⚓ Port Operations & Maritime Authorities
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Regulated by Puertos del Estado and individual port authorities
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Licensing of terminal operators and customs agents
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Berth allocation, anchoring, stevedoring rights
📌 Ports like Barcelona, Valencia, and Algeciras are strategic global hubs
📦 Cargo Transport & Shipping Contracts
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Bills of lading (B/L), charter parties, and time charters governed by international and Spanish law
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Legal responsibility for cargo loss, delay, or damage
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Enforcement of freight claims and demurrage penalties
✍️ Spain follows the Hague-Visby Rules for cargo liability standards
⚖️ Marine Insurance & Liability
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Hull & machinery, P&I insurance, war risk coverage
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Subrogation, salvage, general average
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Limitation of liability via the LLMC Convention
📊 Spanish insurers and Lloyd’s carriers operate under harmonized EU frameworks
🚨 Maritime Disputes & Claims
Handled by Spanish Commercial and Maritime Courts, disputes may involve:
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Vessel arrest and maritime liens
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Salvage rights and wreck removal
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Crew employment and injury claims
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Pollution and environmental damage fines
🧑⚖️ Spain is a signatory to the Arrest Convention 1952 and Brussels Convention
🌍 Cross-Border Maritime Transactions
Spain is a hub for:
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⛴️ Vessel purchases and finance agreements
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⚖️ Maritime arbitration and international litigation
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📑 Charter and demurrage disputes across EU and LATAM waters
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🛠️ Shipbuilding contracts with Spanish and EU yards
🌐 Spain’s maritime courts recognize most international contracts and foreign awards.
💼 How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We assist shipowners, port agents, exporters, logistics firms, and insurers with:
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✅ Drafting and reviewing shipping contracts
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✅ Vessel registration, purchase, or leasing
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✅ Filing claims for cargo damage or delay
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✅ Navigating port regulations and customs compliance
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✅ Defending or pursuing maritime litigation in Spain
🗺️ We offer bilingual legal services and deep familiarity with international admiralty law.
📣 Real-World Example
A Singapore-based container line faced vessel arrest in Valencia due to a local fuel supply dispute. Our legal team obtained a court release within 48 hours, negotiated settlement terms, and preserved future port operations.
📞 Speak to Maritime Law Experts in Spain
Whether you’re involved in international shipping, port logistics, or vessel finance, Borderless Lawyers is your legal partner for navigating maritime law in Spain.