Karachi is Pakistan's principal port, and the admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court of Sindh is where maritime claims against vessels and their owners are brought. The firm acts for shipowners, charterers, cargo interests, freight forwarders and insurers.
Admiralty work is unforgiving on timing. A vessel is in port for a limited window, and an arrest application that is not ready when she berths is of no use to anyone. We are set up to move at that pace.
What we do
- Arrest of vessels and applications for release against security
- Cargo claims: shortage, damage, contamination and misdelivery
- Charterparty disputes and claims for demurrage and freight
- Bill of lading disputes and letters of indemnity
- Collision, salvage and general average
- Marine insurance and P&I correspondence
- Ship sale, purchase and mortgage documentation
- Port, customs and shipping regulatory matters
How we work
Matters in this area are handled by senior counsel from first instruction to final order. We give a candid view of the merits at the outset — including where a claim is not worth running — and agree fees before work begins rather than after.
If your matter touches more than one of our practice areas, it will be dealt with by the same team rather than passed between departments.
Common Questions
Shipping & Admiralty: frequently asked
On what basis can a vessel be arrested in Pakistan?
Arrest is available in support of a maritime claim falling within the admiralty jurisdiction of the High Court of Sindh — including claims for cargo damage, unpaid freight, necessaries, salvage and crew wages. The claim must be properly particularised and supported by evidence at the time of application.
How quickly can an arrest be obtained?
Where instructions and supporting documents are ready, an application can be moved urgently and an order obtained within a short time. The practical constraint is preparation, not the court, so early contact is essential.
Who can bring a cargo claim, and against whom?
The party holding rights under the bill of lading, usually the consignee or cargo insurer, can claim against the carrier for loss or damage in transit. Time limits under the applicable carriage rules are short, often one year from delivery, so notice of damage should be given promptly and a survey arranged.
Do I need a maritime lawyer for a shipping dispute in Pakistan?
Admiralty claims are heard by the High Court of Sindh under its admiralty jurisdiction, and they turn on specialised procedure: vessel arrest, security, charterparty terms and international conventions. A lawyer familiar with that jurisdiction can move quickly enough to arrest a vessel before it leaves port, which is often decisive.
Can crew members claim unpaid wages through the courts?
Yes. Crew wages are among the strongest maritime claims and can support the arrest of the vessel itself. Seafarers can also pursue repatriation costs and other employment entitlements, and claims should be brought before the vessel leaves Pakistani waters where possible.
Enquiries
Discuss a shipping & admiralty matter.
An initial consultation carries no obligation, and we will tell you plainly whether the firm is the right one for the matter.