Services

Experienced. Respected. Responsive.

Maritime & Transportation Law

OVERVIEW

Gawthrop Greenwood represents local, national and international transportation companies in their maritime 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 Knapp

Sandra L. Knapp
West Chester Office
(610) 696-8225
sknapp@gawthrop.com

Michael Merlie

Michael F. Merlie
West Chester Office
(610) 696-8225
mmerlie@gawthrop.com

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

New Ruling on Wind Farms and Coastwise Trade Laws in the U.S.

On January 27, 2021, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office issued a letter ruling regarding several scenarios related to wind farms and the coastwise trade laws of the United States. It is the first decision...
READ MORE →

Passage of the NDAA Provides Boost for U.S. Maritime Community

Congress has passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes provisions that have implications for those in the maritime community. Most significantly, the NDAA settled inconsistent federal agency interpretations regarding...
READ MORE →

Business Award Presented to Gawthrop Greenwood’s Sandra L. Knapp by March of Dimes at 30th Annual Chester County Women of Achievement

The March of Dimes just presented awards to four women in Chester County at its…

READ MORE →

Sailing the High Seas: Q&A with the Maritime Lawyers at Gawthrop Greenwood

If there’s a local port or public body of water involved, chances are that Gawthrop…

READ MORE →

Latest News

Major Changes to Federal Estate & Gift Tax Proposed

The 99.5 Percent Act has been proposed in the Senate, which could result in the most extensive changes to the federal estate and gift tax in decades.
READ MORE →
John E. D. Larkin

Avoiding a Lawsuit Trap for Overtime Pay Rules

Employers are hungry for skilled workers they can promote to positions of responsibility. When they do, the promoted employee’s compensation is often switched from an hourly wage to a salary.
READ MORE →
Stephen Olson

Is Your Business Taking Advantage of Section 139 Disaster Relief Payments?

As businesses continue to deal with the pandemic and look for ways to assist their employees, Section 139 payments are a great way to benefit both the employee and the employer.
READ MORE →

Gawthrop’s COVID-19 Resource Portal

Gawthrop Greenwood will continue to update this news feed with new developments and resources during…

READ MORE →

How Can We Help You?

Providing the highest level of legal services throughout
the Greater Mid-Atlantic Region since 1904

Business Law

Criminal Defense

Family Law

Government & Education Law

Litigation

Maritime & Transportation Law

Real Estate & Land Development

Trusts & Estates

Mediation

Our Attorneys

Denise Antonelli
Denise M. Antonelli, Partner
Denise M. Antonelli is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Trusts & Estates department,...
Read More
Denise M. Antonelli
P. Kristen Bennett
P. Kristen Bennett, Partner
Kristen Bennett is passionate about the law and enjoys helping her clients navigate potentially...
Read More
P. Kristen Bennett
David W. DeBruin
David W. deBruin, Partner
David W. deBruin is a born trial attorney who has appeared in every state and federal court...
Read More
David W. deBruin
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...
Read More
Walter P. Eells
Stacey Fuller
Stacey L. Fuller, Partner
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® 2018 – 2021, Stacey L. Fuller practices in the...
Read More
Stacey L. Fuller
Carl Heckert
Carl W. Heckert, Partner
A lifelong Delaware resident with more than 25 years of experience practicing family law, Carl...
Read More
Carl W. Heckert
Robert Jefferson IV
Robert C. Jefferson, IV, Associate
Robert C. Jefferson, IV is an associate attorney at Gawthrop Greenwood, PC who focuses his...
Read More
Robert C. Jefferson, IV
Sandra Knapp
Sandra L. Knapp, Partner
Sandra L. Knapp practices in the fields of Business Law, Commercial Transactions, Admiralty/Maritime...
Read More
Sandra L. Knapp
John E. D. Larkin
John E. D. Larkin, Partner
John “Jack” Larkin is the head of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Litigation Department. Jack focuses...
Read More
John E. D. Larkin
Stephen McDonnell
Stephen R. McDonnell, Partner
Named a “Top Lawyer” by Main Line Today, Stephen focuses his law practice on helping corporations...
Read More
Stephen R. McDonnell
Patrick McKenna
Patrick M. McKenna, Partner & Chair of Management Committee
Patrick has extensive experience representing numerous municipalities, zoning hearing boards,...
Read More
Patrick M. McKenna
Michael Merlie
Michael F. Merlie, Partner
Michael F. Merlie concentrates his practice in the areas of finance, secured transactions (including...
Read More
Michael F. Merlie
Stephen Olson
Stephen J. Olsen, Partner
Stephen J. Olsen is a member of Gawthrop Greenwood’s Trusts &  Estates Department, practicing...
Read More
Stephen J. Olsen
Gordon Prince
Gordon W. Prince, Associate
Gordon W. Prince joined Gawthrop Greenwood as an associate attorney shortly after graduating...
Read More
Gordon W. Prince
John Rafferty
John Rafferty, Partner
John Rafferty is a litigator who focuses his practice on civil and business litigation matters....
Read More
John Rafferty
Kari Springer
Kari Springer, Associate
Kari Springer joined Gawthrop Greenwood as an associate attorney shortly after earning her...
Read More
Kari Springer
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...
Read More
Ann L. Martino Frazier
J. Stoddard Hayes
J. Stoddard Hayes Jr., Of Counsel
J. Stoddard Hayes, Jr., (“Tod”) represents individuals with significant wealth in their...
Read More
J. Stoddard Hayes Jr.
Kevin Holleran
Kevin Holleran, Partner
A long-time practitioner in the trusts and estates field, Kevin Holleran has spoken regularly...
Read More
Kevin Holleran
Patrick O'Donnell
Patrick C. O’Donnell, Of Counsel
Patrick C. O’Donnell concentrates his practice in municipal, land use and estate issues,...
Read More
Patrick C. O’Donnell
Mary Ann Plankinton
Mary Ann Plankinton, Partner
Mary Ann Plankinton brings more than 20 years of experience to Gawthrop Greenwood with her...
Read More
Mary Ann Plankinton
Joanna Reiver
Joanna Reiver, Of Counsel
Joanna Reiver focuses her practice on estate planning, planning for family members with disabilities,...
Read More
Joanna Reiver
Anthony T. Verwey
Anthony T. Verwey, Partner
With a focus on real estate development, eminent domain, government and school law, Anthony...
Read More
Anthony T. Verwey
Back To Top