Enforcing shipping rights, NIMASA registries, & cargo litigations
Nigeria\'s coastal waters form the lifeblood of West African trade. Navigating NIMASA safety protocols and managing ship-charter disputes requires deep, specialist maritime expertise. Medina Law Associates & Co. provides elite representation to shipowners, charterers, cargo underwriters, and shipping brokers.
We assist clients with NIMASA vessel registrations, Cabotage waivers, port clearance permits, and dry-docking compliance. In the event of unpaid charter dues or cargo damage, our specialized admiralty litigators file arrest warrants in the Federal High Court to secure your interests.
Vessel Arrest & Claims
We file and defend ship arrest applications at the Federal High Court, resolving cargo loss claims and crew wage disputes to secure vessel releases.
Cabotage & Logistics
We help international logistics players secure Cabotage ministerial waivers and perfect joint-venture transport partnerships locally.
Our Core Capabilities
- NIMASA vessel registration and cabotage compliance audits.
- Filing and defending ship arrests at the Federal High Court.
- Drafting and negotiating Bareboat, Time, and Voyage charterparties.
- Marine insurance claims, salvage coordination, and cargo liability disputes.
- Advisory on port safety regulations and environmental guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is the apex maritime regulator in Nigeria. It oversees ship registration under the Nigerian flag, maritime safety, seafarer standards, local cabotage compliance, and maritime security.
The Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act restricts domestic shipping within Nigerian waters to vessels built, owned, and crewed by Nigerian citizens. Foreign vessels require ministerial waivers to operate domestically.
A claimant with a maritime claim (such as unpaid bunkering fees, crew wages, or cargo damage) can file an ex-parte application at the Federal High Court to obtain a warrant of arrest against the ship, detaining it until security is provided.
A charterparty is a maritime contract between a shipowner and a charterer for the hire of a vessel. The main categories are Bareboat Charter (hire of ship without crew), Time Charter (hire for a set period with crew), and Voyage Charter (hire for a specific cargo voyage).
