Shipping Lawyers in Greece

Our shipping lawyers in Greece are specialized in providing legal services for the shipping industry (shipping law, contracts, company incorporation, tax advice, registration of international shipping companies, vessel registration, etc.), so we invite you to address us if you need assistance in any area regulated by theshipping law.

What are the main legal services your team can offer in connection to the shipping industry?

 Our law firm in Greece can provide legal advice and representation in any of the following: 

• company registration for local and international companies operating in the shipping industry;
• legal procedures for thepurchase of ships in Greece and internationaly;
• theregistration of ships on the Greek territory;
• tax related matters;
• negotiation withshipyards operating in other states;
• ship repair and ship arrestlegal procedures, formalities, etc. 

How can your lawyers assist me in incorporating a shipping company in Greece?

Theincorporation process for a shipping company follows the standard registration procedure applicable to all legal entities set up in this country. Some of the main aspects to take into consideration are:

1. the selection of a legal entity;
2. drafting the company’s bylaws;
3. complying with the basic management requirements as per the selected legal entity (minimum number of founders, minimum number of directors, company secretary, etc.);
4. registering for taxation;
5. registering for employment once you hire your first employee;
6. obtaining the necessary approval, permits and licenses;
7. registering the vessel with the Greek authorities.

What are fees you charge for the incorporation of a Greek legal entity?

Our team of shipping lawyers in Greece can help investors set up various types of companies. In the list below, you can observe the costs we charge for the registration of a private capital company (IKE) and the limited liability company (EPE). The first has similar traits as the EPE, but it has simpler registration requirements. Some of our fees are:

1. the incorporation of an EPE company costs EUR 2,000, while the registration of an IKE company is EUR 2,400 (the fee includes name approval, the incorporation itself, preparing all the documentation and obtaining a company seal);
2. obtaining a registered address (mandatory for the process of company formation) – EUR 950;
3. opening a corporate bank account – EUR 1,700.

In what other ways can your lawyers assist me when starting a shipping company?

Besides the registration of the legal entity and the registration of the vessel(which can be a boat, yacht or any other type of approved ships), investors who want to enter this industry in Greeceshould also review the following aspects, with the help our shipping lawyers in Greece:

1. flagging and reflagging of a vessel;
2. crew certification;
3. having a seaman record book;
4. having approved technical means for the vessel (radio communication for instance);
5. having marine risk insurance;
6. legal representation in litigation cases;
7. assistance in signing contracts, etc.

What is the main regulatory body of the shipping industry?

The shipping sector is regulated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy. Our shipping lawyers in Greece can represent clients who need to address the representatives of this institution.

What is the shipping law in Greece? 

Our shipping lawyers in Greece can present the legislation in the field. Greece applies the Greek Private Maritime Law Code and it has also ratified the 1910 Brussels Collision Convention. 

What is the size of the shipping industry in Greece? 

Below, our shipping lawyers in Greece have prepared a short presentation on the Greek shipping sector: 

• it ranks as the 1st European economy on the number of vessels, having more than 5,000 vessels;
• Greece is also the 1st global jurisdiction when we refer to the number of oil tankers owned (it owns around 30% of the global oil tankers);
• according to theUnion of Greek Shipowners, 64% of the entire Greek-owned fleetis comprised of oil tankers;
• at an EU level, Greece is the 2nd nation, after Malta, on the number of merchant fleets (measured in deadweight tonnes);
• the industry hires 192,000 persons (or 4% of the entire Greek workforce). 

We invite you to contact our Greek law firm if you need assistance on the law regulating this sector.