
Shipping & Maritime
What We Do

Our Shipping and Maritime practice advises clients on non‑contentious maritime and shipping matters, with a focus on practical, commercially driven solutions. We act for shipowners, operators, traders, financiers, and corporate clients on legal issues arising from maritime trade, vessel operations, and shipping‑related transactions.
Our experience includes advising on bills of lading, letters of indemnity, and contractual arrangements relating to the transportation of commodities, including liquefied petroleum gas. We also advise on ship financing matters, representing both borrowers and financiers in vessel‑related financing and asset‑backed lending arrangements. The practice is focused on delivering clear, commercially aligned advice that supports efficient execution and regulatory compliance across shipping and maritime operations.
How We Can Assist You
We advise clients on a broad range of shipping and maritime matters, including vessel acquisitions and disposals, commercial shipping arrangements, and ship financing transactions. Our work includes advising on structured and asset‑backed financing, leasing arrangements involving maritime assets, and acquisition‑related transactions involving shipping companies.
We assist clients involved in the transportation of petroleum, gas, and other cargoes by advising on contractual documentation and regulatory considerations applicable to maritime trade. Our integrated corporate and finance capabilities allow us to support shipping‑related transactions and investments efficiently. Throughout each engagement, we focus on providing practical, commercially grounded advice that supports operational requirements, manages risk, and facilitates the smooth execution of maritime and shipping transactions.

FAQs
What laws govern shipping and maritime activities in Malaysia?
Shipping and maritime activities are governed by legislation such as the Merchant Shipping Ordinance and supplemented by international maritime conventions adopted by Malaysia. These laws regulate vessel registration, safety, carriage of goods, and maritime liabilities.
What is ship registration and why is it important?
Ship registration establishes the nationality and legal ownership of a vessel under Malaysian law. It provides legal recognition, enables financing arrangements, and determines the regulatory framework applicable to the vessel’s operations.
What is a bill of lading in maritime law?
A bill of lading is a document issued by a carrier acknowledging receipt of goods and setting out the terms of carriage. It also serves as a document of title, enabling transfer of ownership of goods during transit.
What is a maritime lien?
A maritime lien is a privileged claim against a vessel arising by operation of law, typically for matters such as crew wages or damage claims. It attaches to the vessel itself and may be enforced through legal proceedings.
What is ship arrest and when is it used?
Ship arrest is a legal procedure used to detain a vessel to secure a maritime claim. It is typically exercised through admiralty court proceedings and provides claimants with security pending resolution of the dispute.
What is a charterparty agreement?
A charterparty is a contract governing the hire of a vessel for transporting goods. It sets out terms relating to freight, duration, responsibilities, and risk allocation between the shipowner and charterer.
How are maritime disputes resolved in Malaysia?
Maritime disputes are resolved through admiralty court proceedings or arbitration, depending on contractual provisions. Arbitration is commonly used in international shipping transactions due to its neutrality and enforceability.
What insurance is required in maritime operations?
Marine insurance typically covers hull and machinery, cargo, and liability risks. Protection and indemnity insurance is commonly used to cover third-party liabilities arising from maritime operations.
What is cabotage policy in Malaysia?
Cabotage policies regulate domestic shipping routes and may restrict foreign vessels from operating within Malaysian waters, subject to exemptions granted by authorities in certain circumstances.
What role do port authorities play in maritime regulation?
Port authorities oversee port operations, safety, and infrastructure management. They regulate vessel movements, enforce port rules, and facilitate efficient handling of cargo and logistics activities.
Why We Stand Out

Quality
Personalized service from a focused team of lawyers, capable of handling complex, high-value transactions. Agile and client-focused, offering premium expertise without the bureaucracy of larger firms.

Experience
Extensive experience engaging with government-linked companies (GLCs), public-listed companies (PLCs), and private corporations across diverse industries.
Strong capability in handling compliance-heavy projects, corporate governance, and large-scale infrastructure or financing transactions.

Global
Active involvement in LAWorld, a non-exclusive international legal network of nearly 70 independent mid-sized law firms across 100 cities worldwide.
This membership gives MRCO clients instant access to vetted foreign counsel, local expertise, and seamless support for cross-border transactions and disputes.

Digital
MRCO operates as a digitally forward firm, utilizing modern cloud tools and cutting-edge hardware and software. Its meeting rooms feature the latest meeting tools to ensure seamless connectivity, reflecting the absolute commitment to legal innovation in Malaysia today.

Sustainable
MRCO is an ESG-driven law firm, embedding sustainability principles into its daily operations and legal advice.
Actively developing ESG clauses across multiple practice areas and guiding clients toward sustainable business practices aligned with global standards.