Maritime Law
Said Ibrahim Ambusaidi Advocates (SIA) in Muscat advises shipowners, shippers, marine insurers, and shipping agents across Oman on maritime law: carriage and shipping disputes, cargo loss and damage claims, marine insurance, maritime accidents, and charterparties, under the Omani Maritime Law, Royal Decree 19/2023. The firm works in Arabic and English.
What we handle
- Carriage of goods disputes, bills of lading, and charterparties
- Cargo loss, damage, and delayed-delivery claims
- Marine insurance claims over vessels and cargo
- Maritime accidents: collision, salvage, and general average
- Shipbuilding, sale, and mortgage of vessels
- Shipping agency and port loading and discharge disputes
How do we handle carriage and shipping disputes?
Our work starts from the documents that govern the maritime operation: the bill of lading, the charterparty where there is one, the insurance policy, and the survey reports at the discharge port. These documents determine who answers for cargo loss, damage, or late delivery, and whether liability-limitation, arbitration, or foreign-jurisdiction clauses apply.
We then direct the claim to the responsible party, whether carrier, shipping agent, or insurer, and negotiate a settlement where that serves the client. Failing that, we litigate before the Omani courts under the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law, Royal Decree 29/2002, or proceed to arbitration where the parties' agreement so provides. We always warn clients that maritime claims carry comparatively short limitation periods, so acting early preserves the right.
What do we do in marine insurance claims?
We review the marine policy, its conditions and exclusions, and set them against the facts of the casualty, the shipping documents, and the survey reports, to establish whether the loss is covered and what the assured is owed. Many disputes with insurers are resolved by a documented legal memorandum before any claim is filed.
If the insurer declines cover or offers an amount out of proportion to the loss, we represent the client in litigation or arbitration as the policy provides, and follow the dispute through judgment and execution. We also act for insurers themselves in subrogated recovery claims against the party that caused the loss.
How do we deal with maritime accidents and vessel contracts?
In collision, salvage, and general average incidents, we work from the first hours to preserve the evidence: incident reports, crew statements, and marine surveyors' findings, because liability in these casualties is a technical question as much as a legal one. We then pursue or defend the compensation claim before the competent forums.
On the contract side, we draft and review vessel sale, construction, mortgage, and charter agreements, along with shipping agency and port services contracts, in Arabic and English, making sure risk and responsibility are clearly allocated before signature. A well-drafted maritime contract spares you a long dispute at sea or in court.
Frequently asked questions
My cargo arrived damaged or short. What should I do?
Act immediately to record the condition: request a survey at the port before or upon delivery, lodge a written reservation with the carrier or its agent, and keep the bill of lading, invoices, and photographs of the damage. Failing to reserve your rights within the prescribed periods can weaken your claim, and maritime claims are subject to short limitation periods. Then contact a specialist lawyer to direct the claim to the carrier or insurer before the deadlines pass.
Which law governs maritime disputes in Oman?
The principal statute is the Maritime Law, Royal Decree 19/2023, which governs vessels, carriage by sea, marine insurance, and maritime casualties. Other laws apply depending on the dispute, including the Commercial Law, Royal Decree 55/90, and the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law, Royal Decree 29/2002, for court procedure. An arbitration agreement or bill of lading terms may also govern. We identify the applicable law and forum after reviewing your documents.
Do you handle disputes with a foreign party or English-language contracts?
Yes. Maritime disputes are cross-border by nature. We work in Arabic and English, review bills of lading, charterparties, and insurance policies drafted in English, deal with arbitration and foreign-jurisdiction clauses, and coordinate with foreign law firms when proceedings are needed outside Oman, while your file remains managed from our Muscat office.
How much does a maritime lawyer cost in Oman?
Fees depend on the nature and value of the dispute and the surveys and expert input it requires. We start with a free first consultation by phone or WhatsApp on +968 9706 3030, where we hear the facts and review your key documents, then give you a clear written fee proposal before work begins. We serve clients in Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, Duqm, and across Oman's ports and governorates.
Your first consultation is free
Describe your matter on WhatsApp or by phone, and we will explain your legal position before any commitment.