The transport practice at Garrigues is well versed in both wet and dry shipping matters, including collisions, environmental liability claims, ship financing, licensing and contractual matters. Jesus Barbadillo, who alongside his experience advising shipping companies in regulatory issues also often acts as an arbitrator, leads the team from Madrid. Other key team members include Manuel Betancor, based in the Canary Islands, as well as María Cózar, who is the main port of call for issues relating to administrative concessions in the public port domain and port licences. Javier del Corte left the practice in September 2022 to become a judge.

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP‘s ‘exceptional‘ shipping team is particularly recommended for its experience in ship finance, and in the shipbuilding and repair markets. Attracting instructions from a varied client base, featuring major insurers, shipowners, financial entities, underwriters and P&I clubs, the group os well positioned to handle booth dry and wet matters. The group is jointly led by four practioners: Juan Alegre, a dual qualified lawyer (Spain, England and Wales) active in contentious and non-contentious shipping and international trade work; Bernardo Ruiz Lima, a key contact for insurance claims in this space; Gonzalo Alvar, who advises on shipbuilding contracts; and Victor Mata, who focuses on contractual disputes and salvage proceedings. The ‘cordial‘ and ‘attentive‘ Javier Herreros is also recommended for his advice to shipowners and shipyards on issues such as ship finance, shipbuilding, and ship repairs.

The shipping and transport department at Uría Menéndez is lauded for its ‘excellent industry knowledge‘, ‘in-depth advice‘, and tendency to go the ‘extra mile‘ when assisting clients. Typical mandates for the group include advising on both dry and wet shipping matters, including shipbuilding and financing contracts, M&A, insurance claims and collisions, among others. Practice head Carlos López-Quiroga focuses on transport and maritime law, showcasing particular experience in M&A and restructuring matters. Luz Martínez De Azcoitia is the name to contact for banking and finance mandates in the transport sector. Other notable individuals include Diego Pérez, a key contact for domestic and foreign shipowners and port terminals seeking advice on vessel construction, repair and acquisition contracts, and Laura Peláez, who is recommended for administrative proceedings before port authorities.

Boutique Mestre Abogados‘ ability to ‘convey information in an understandable and easy manner‘ is noted by sources, who also commend the practice for its ‘comprehensive understanding‘ of clients' needs and level of ‘responsiveness‘. The firm handles a mix of dry and wet shipping matters, showcasing significant strength in the resolution of disputes involving maritime casualties, financing and commercial contracts, repairers' liability and insurance claims; non-contentious matters also feature on the firm's diverse workload. ‘Outstanding lawyer‘ Anna Mestre jointly heads up the team alongside litigation specialist Alejandra Torres, yachting department head Pol Mediña, and French contracts specialist Marina Bassols.

Jointly led by co-founders Carlos Perez in Madrid and Maria Albors in Sotogrande, PEREZ ALBORS | & CO‘s shipping department is skilled at providing legal support to insurers, P&I clubs, and shipowners, many of whom praise the team for its ‘high level of professionalism‘ and ‘solution-oriented‘ approach. Covering insurance, dispute resolution and international trade, the practice is particularly active in mandates concerning bill of lading disputes, cargo claims, environmental liability and collisions.

A popular destination for shipping clients seeking assistance with marine insurance, operator liability, cargo claims and vessel auctions, Rogers & Co. Abogados is well positioned to advise on an array of contentious matters in this space. Luis Alberto Garcia, who is especially proficient in personal injury claims relating to ports and vessels, leads the practice alongside David Diez Ramos, who regularly works with marine and non-marine insurers in a variety of related claims. Marie Rogers, described as a ‘standout performer‘, is a key contact within the team.

Boutique firm SAN SIMON & DUCH‘s shipping and transport team is recurrently sought out by an array of maritime clients, including shipowners and shipyards, insurers, port authorities, P&I clubs, and charterers. The group is skilled at advising on contentious matters, such as claims concerning vessel damages, recovery against shipyards, and sanctioning proceedings, but is also adept in transactional work, including the sale of vessels, and sanctioning proceedings. Founding partners Luis De San Simon and Mercedes Duch jointly oversee the group alongside Diego de San Simón in Madrid, and directors Carlos Cerda, who is based in Valencia, and Ignacio Rodríguez, a key contact in the Algeciras office.

Watson Farley & Williams LLP‘s asset and structured finance team - jointly led by the ‘pleasant‘ Alfredo Cabellos and recently promoted Laura Cadenas - is singled out for its experience in ship finance matters and its niche expertise in the aquaculture sector. The team, which attracts instructions from shipowners, financial entities, charterers and P&I clubs, is also adept at advising on construction contracts and purchase and sale agreements. Jose María Pery is a name to note for asset finance, purchases, and sales in the maritime sector; his expertise also extends to shipping disputes.

Aiyon Abogados SLP‘s shipping department is commended for its ‘adaptability and efficiency‘, with Veronica Meana, Mikel Garteiz-Goxeaskoa, Zuberoa Elorriaga, Enrique Ortiz, and Jose Dominguez jointly leading the practice. With extensive experience in dispute resolution, contract drafting, insurance and trade law, the group is adept at advising on marine casualties, pollution claims, freight cases and shipbuilding contracts, among other matters.

The logistics and transport team at Cuatrecasas is particularly experienced in port law and international trade, regularly advising shipowners, domestic and international companies, and port authorities on an array of shipping mandates. Iñigo Quintana leads the team and is the key contact for international dispute resolution matters – both litigation and arbitration – in the maritime and transport sectors.

With particular strength in ship financing matters, Gómez-Acebo & Pombo acts for major Spanish banks, shipping and charter companies, as well as international financial institutions. The practice, which often collaborates with the firm's banking and finance specialists, has a strong presence in Vigo, a key location for shipbuilding clients. Asset and infrastructure financing expert Carlos Rueda and Miguel Lamo de Espinosa jointly oversee the team that also includes Fernando Herrero, who focuses on asset finance, María García De La Concha Álvarez, a reference for shipbuilders, and José Canalejas.

Kennedys’ marine department advises clients in both wet and dry shipping matters, with expertise in coverage disputes, cargo and vessel loss, maritime salvage claims, shipbuilding, and ship finance. Team head Jose Manuel González Pellicer is commended for his ‘first rate grasp of Spanish maritime law‘, while colleague Paula Petit is described as ‘a rising star in the Spanish legal environment‘. Olivia Delagrange left the team in June 2023.

The practice at MA Abogados is commended for its ‘great technical knowledge‘ and ‘immediacy of responses‘, with practice head Carlos Salinas Adelantado complimented for his ‘deep knowledge of the world of insurance and maritime law‘. Founder Sara Recatalá Chordá co-heads the team, which typically acts for clients in arbitrations, offshore contracts, cargo and insurance claims, shipbuilding contracts, and ship arrests.

Devoted to shipping and international trade matters, boutique firm Muñoz & Montañes has significant experience advising shipowners and P&I clubs on contentious matters, including maritime casualties. The practice is led by Alicia Montañés, who is active in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings. Other names to note include Pablo Ibañez and Celia Lopera, who are commended by clients for being ‘reliable‘ and ‘proactive‘ attitude.