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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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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

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Gawthrop Attorneys Named 2025 Super Lawyers, Rising Stars

Attorneys from Gawthrop Greenwood, PC have been recognized as leaders in their fields in Pennsylvania…

Gawthrop Greenwood municipal and litigation attorney Theodore Speedy

Municipal Law and Litigation Attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. Joins Gawthrop Greenwood

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that municipal law and litigation attorney Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. has joined the firm as an associate effective May 12, 2025.

Family law attorney Donald Kohler

Gawthrop Greenwood Welcomes New Partner, Family Law Attorney Donald F. Kohler

Gawthrop Greenwood, PC is pleased to announce that family law attorney Donald F. Kohler has joined the firm as a partner. He specializes in family law, including divorce, custody, support, alimony, Orphans’ Court, guardianships, adoptions and probate litigation.

Title that says Absolute Auto Exclusion

What Pennsylvania Insurance Carriers and Businesses Should Know About the Absolute Auto Exclusion

In a March 18, 2025 ruling, Gawthrop Greenwood, PC has secured significant insurance coverage for a client after years of contentious litigation and an appeal to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania.

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

Family Law

Government & Education Law

Litigation

Maritime & Transportation Law

Personal Injury

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, OF COUNSEL
With over 30 years of litigation experience, Walter P. Eells concentrates his practice in the...
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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 (Tod) represents individuals with significant wealth in their estate planning...
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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
Sandra L. Knapp
Sandra L. Knapp, OF COUNSEL
Named “Female Business Leader of the Year” by the Chester County Chamber of Business...
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Sandra L. Knapp
Robert C. Jefferson, IV
Robert C. Jefferson, IV, Senior Associate
Rob Jefferson is a senior associate attorney at Gawthrop Greenwood, PC who focuses his practice...
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Robert C. Jefferson, IV
Family law attorney Donald Kohler
Donald F. Kohler, PARTNER
Whether clients seek out attorney Donald F. Kohler because they are considering separating...
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Donald F. Kohler
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, Managing Partner
Named to Super Lawyers and “Top Lawyers” by Main Line Today, Stephen R. McDonnell is chair...
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Stephen R. McDonnell
Michael F. Merlie
Michael F. Merlie, Partner
As head of the Business Law Department at Gawthrop Greenwood, Michael F. Merlie concentrates...
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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
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
A business and real estate law attorney who joined Gawthrop Greenwood shortly after graduating...
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Gordon W. Prince
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
Theodore T. Speedy, Attorney at Gawthrop
Theodore T. Speedy, ASSOCIATE
Theodore T. Speedy, Jr. brings a mission-driven focus and practical mindset to his municipal...
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Theodore T. Speedy
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

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