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Maritime & Transportation Law

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OVERVIEW

Gawthrop Greenwood represents local, national and international transportation companies in their maritime law and transportation needs, specializing in Shipping, with experience in Motor Carrier and Trucking, Rail and Aviation.

Our attorneys are experienced in all facets of commercial transactions, financing, regulatory and legislative issues, environmental issues, litigation and contract disputes including the following related services.

MARITIME & TRANSPORTATION LAW SERVICES

Commercial Transactions and Finance
  • Construction and repair contracts
  • Agreements of sale and purchase
  • Leasing including vessel charters
  • Debt financing
  • Lease financing
  • Management agreements
  • Crewing agreements
Legislative and Compliance
  • Represent clients in connection with matters involving various governmental agencies including the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surface Transportation Board and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Advise clients on legislation and track pending legislation
Jones Act Trade
  • Vessel documentation and registration
  • Advise clients on compliance with coastwise trade laws and U.S. citizenship requirements
  • Represent clients with various legislative bodies and government agencies (including the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Maritime Commission, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
  • Foreign transfer orders and waivers
  • Rebuild classifications for vessels
  • Government sponsored programs for the marine industry
  • Bowater certifications
Environmental
  • Assist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard with respect to pollution investigations and casualties
  • Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and similar statutory frameworks
  • Advise clients on import/export issues involving the Toxic Substances Control Act to the foreign sale and operation of vessels
  • Assist clients with gaining necessary government approvals for the recycling of vessels domestically and overseas
Litigation and Risk Management
  • Litigation involving enforcement of maritime contracts, creditors’ rights, and bankruptcy claims
  • Shareholder and employment disputes

Key Contacts

Sandra L. Knapp

Sandra L. Knapp

Michael F. Merlie

Michael F. Merlie

RELATED SERVICES

Commercial Transactions and Finance
  • Construction and repair contracts
  • Agreements of sale and purchase
  • Leasing including vessel charters
  • Debt financing
  • Lease financing
  • Management agreements
  • Crewing agreements
Legislative and Compliance
  • Represent clients in connection with matters involving various governmental agencies including the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Surface Transportation Board and U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Advise clients on legislation and track pending legislation
Jones Act Trade
  • Vessel documentation and registration
  • Advise clients on compliance with coastwise trade laws and U.S. citizenship requirements
  • Represent clients with various legislative bodies and government agencies (including the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Maritime Commission, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)
  • Foreign transfer orders and waivers
  • Rebuild classifications for vessels
  • Government sponsored programs for the marine industry
  • Bowater certifications
Environmental
  • Assist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Coast Guard with respect to pollution investigations and casualties
  • Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and similar statutory frameworks
  • Advise clients on import/export issues involving the Toxic Substances Control Act to the foreign sale and operation of vessels
  • Assist clients with gaining necessary government approvals for the recycling of vessels domestically and overseas
Litigation and Risk Management
  • Litigation involving enforcement of maritime contracts, creditors’ rights, and bankruptcy claims
  • Shareholder and employment disputes

NEWS & INSIGHTS

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Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms

For a seventh consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The…

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Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2024 Edition of Best Law Firms

For a sixth consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The…

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Best Lawyers Graphic

Gawthrop Attorneys in West Chester, Wilmington & Berwyn Recognized by 2024 Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that the following attorneys from our West Chester,…

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Maritime Update

What’s New with Offshore Wind Farms and Coastwise Trade Laws in the U.S.

By Sandra L. Knapp, Esq. Offshore wind farm projects along the East Coast have been dominating…

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Latest News

Jennifer Simons, Gawthrop Attorney In Trusts & Estates

Estate Planning and Special Needs Trusts

While estate planning is essential for everyone, it is even more critical for families with children who have a disability.
Real Estate Attorney Michael Naseef And Litigator Stephen McDonnell

Real Estate and Business Attorney Michael Naseef Named to Board of CCCBI Foundation

  Real estate and business attorney Michael Naseef (left) has been named to the board…

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Gawthrop Greenwood Ranked Nationally in 2025 Edition of Best Law Firms

For a seventh consecutive year, Gawthrop Greenwood is ranked nationally in Best Law Firms®. The…

Gawthrop Attorney Denise Antonelli Receives A Door Opener Award

Chester County Community Foundation Honors Attorney Denise Antonelli with Door Opener Award

The Chester County Community Foundation proudly presented Gawthrop trusts and estates attorney Denise M. Antonelli…

How Can We Help You?

With offices in West Chester, Berwyn and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as Greater Wilmington, Delaware,
we provide the highest level of legal services throughout the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region.

Business Law

Community Association Law

Criminal Defense

Family Law

Government & Education Law

Litigation

Maritime & Transportation Law

Real Estate & Land Development

Trusts & Estates

Our Attorneys

Estate And Trust Attorney
Denise M. Antonelli, Partner
Denise Antonelli is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Trusts & Estates department, practicing...
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Denise M. Antonelli
P. Kristen Bennett - Trusts & Estates Attorney
P. Kristen Bennett, Partner
Kristen Bennett is passionate about the law and enjoys helping her clients navigate potentially...
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P. Kristen Bennett
Attorney Focused On Homeowner's Protection
Elliot H. Berton, PARTNER
Elliot H. Berton focuses his practice on the protection of condominium and homeowners’ associations...
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Elliot H. Berton
James D. Doyle
James D. Doyle, PARTNER
Approachable and trustworthy are the words that come to mind when homeowners and businesses...
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James D. Doyle
Walter P. Eells
Walter P. Eells, Partner
Walter P. Eells is a partner in the firm’s West Chester office. With over 30 years of...
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Walter P. Eells
Stacey L. Fuller
Stacey L. Fuller, Partner
Named a Distinguished Leader by The Legal Intelligencer and Law.com in 2024,  as well as “Lawyer...
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Stacey L. Fuller
Ann L. Martino Frazier
Ann L. Martino Frazier, Of Counsel
Ann L. Martino Frazier prepares complex estate plans for high net worth individuals. With her...
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Ann L. Martino Frazier
Jeremy Grivensky
Jeremy Grivensky, Associate
Jeremy Grivensky thrives on digging into the details. Time and time again, this gives clients...
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Jeremy Grivensky
J. Stoddard Hayes
J. Stoddard Hayes Jr., Of Counsel
J. Stoddard Hayes, Jr., (“Tod”) represents individuals with significant wealth in their...
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J. Stoddard Hayes Jr.
Carl W. Heckert
Carl W. Heckert, Partner
A lifelong Delaware resident with more than 25 years of experience practicing family law, Carl...
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Carl W. Heckert
Kevin Holleran
Kevin Holleran, Of Counsel
A long-time practitioner in the trusts and estates field, Kevin Holleran has spoken regularly...
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Kevin Holleran
Robert C. Jefferson, IV
Robert C. Jefferson, IV, Senior Associate
Robert C. Jefferson, IV is a senior associate attorney at Gawthrop Greenwood, PC who focuses...
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Robert C. Jefferson, IV
Sandra L. Knapp
Sandra L. Knapp, Partner
Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business...
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Sandra L. Knapp
Patrick M. McKenna
Patrick M. McKenna, Partner
Patrick M. McKenna has extensive experience representing numerous municipalities, zoning hearing...
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Patrick M. McKenna
Stephen R. McDonnell
Stephen R. McDonnell, Partner
Named a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today, Stephen focuses his law practice on helping corporations...
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Stephen R. McDonnell
Michael F. Merlie
Michael F. Merlie, Partner
Michael F. Merlie concentrates his practice in the areas of finance, secured transactions (including...
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Michael F. Merlie
Gawthrop Attorney Michael Naseef
Michael V. Naseef, Partner
Real estate and business attorney Michael V. Naseef joined Gawthrop Greenwood as a partner...
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Michael V. Naseef
Patrick C. O'Donnell
Patrick C. O’Donnell, Of Counsel
Patrick C. O’Donnell concentrates his practice in municipal, land use and estate issues,...
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Patrick C. O’Donnell
Stephen J. Olsen
Stephen J. Olsen, Partner
Stephen J. Olsen is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Trusts &  Estates Department, practicing...
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Stephen J. Olsen
Mary Ann Plankinton
Mary Ann Plankinton, Partner
Mary Ann Plankinton brings more than 20 years of experience to Gawthrop Greenwood with her...
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Mary Ann Plankinton
Gawthrop Attorney Gordon Prince
Gordon W. Prince, Associate
Gordon W. Prince is a business law attorney who joined Gawthrop Greenwood shortly after graduating...
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Gordon W. Prince
John Rafferty
John Rafferty, Partner
As a partner within Gawthrop Greenwood’s Litigation Department, John Rafferty represents...
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John Rafferty
Joanna Reiver
Joanna Reiver, Of Counsel
Joanna Reiver focuses her practice on estate planning, planning for family members with disabilities,...
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Joanna Reiver
Holly L. Setzler
Holly L. Setzler, PARTNER
Community association leadership may change, but Holly L. Setzler is the constant for numerous...
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Holly L. Setzler
Jennifer Simons, Gawthrop Attorney In Trusts & Estates
Jennifer L. Simons, Associate
A life-long resident of the Philadelphia area, Jennifer L. Simons takes great pride – and...
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Jennifer L. Simons
Steven Sugarman
Steven L. Sugarman, PARTNER
With a national reputation only exceeded by his regional stature, Steven L. Sugarman is widely...
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Steven L. Sugarman
Hudson L. Voltz
Hudson L. Voltz, Of Counsel
Since the founding of his self-named law firm in 1992, attorney Hudson Voltz has established...
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Hudson L. Voltz

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