Ports and marinas are a niche sector. Finding a law firm that thoroughly understands the legal and practical issues that need to be considered can be tricky.

LA works with a number of Port Authorities, Harbour Commissioners and marina operators and is one of the few firms that can offer the expertise and experience you need.

Our real estate solicitors are experienced in dealing with all real estate concerns relevant in this niche sector, who can work alongside other teams in our firm as necessary on multidisciplinary transactions.

How can our real estate solicitors help?

Our team advises on:

• Property acquisitions and leasehold and freehold disposals;
• Mooring leases and licences
• Waterside (including riverside) projects with moorings
• Port and harbour development matters
• Bunkering agreements
• Harbour revision orders
• Planning – is permission required or covered by a GDO?

We can also help you with marine leases, consents and licences relevant to sites and/or development projects and also on the planning aspects of the relevant transaction. Our construction team can also provide advice on the contracts related to any works in a marine, port or marina context.

Recent projects have included:

• Advising a marina operator in relation to a major hotel development within one of its marinas
• The development of a power station within a port
• Assisting a port to obtain a harbour revision order permitting the reclaim of substantial areas of the seabed
• Working with a Harbour Authority is relation to a complex agreement with Homes England and a private developer in relation to a project involving the construction of a new marina and breakwaters

What is the process?

You are welcome to contact us for an initial informal discussion about your ports and marinas issue, on a confidential basis and without charge.

Every transaction or issue requires tailored advice. We will discuss the specific timescales, costs and processes with you individually based on your needs.

How long it takes

Timescales will vary depending on the scope of advice needed from us