Rotterdam law firm

Beaufort Litigation is a boutique law firm based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. We specialize in shipping, trade, insurance and commercial legal matters and act for clients from across the globe.

In true Rotterdam style, we offer no-nonsense, cost-effective and highly experienced legal services. Our legal services cover:

  • Advisory – we provide quick and effective insight in your legal position

  • Contractual – maximize the effectiveness and clarity of contracts and profit from our extensive network

  • Litigation and dispute resolution – protect your legal position, out of court and in court and arbitral proceedings

Representation of your interests is the air we breathe.

Shipping & Transport

Beaufort Litigation acts for owners, charterers and transportation companies and is specialized in all aspects of wet and dry shipping and transportation in the short-sea and brown water markets.

Trade & Commercial

Beaufort Litigation acts for traders, banks, technical suppliers, agents and the industrial sector. We know the market you are in and are keen on getting to know your company and business interests.

Insurance & Regress

Beaufort Litigation acts for H&M, P&I and FDD insurers, insurance brokers, correspondents and dedicated claims handlers on a near 24/7 basis. We know the applicable clauses and how to apply them.

Arrest & Asset recovery

Beaufort Litigation acts in arrests of vessels and property and (international) asset recovery matters. We apply the apt measure to quickly and securely safeguard your interests.

Defence counsel for the Russian-Cypriot holder of security rights in >100 containers to be sold per judicial auction.

Advisory, litigation, defence

Advising a major owner/operator on sludge disposal per MARPOL and Dutch port standards.

Advisory, contractual

Defence counsel for Swiss industrialists in a technical dispute. On the basis of a battle of the forms-defence, the case was dismissed in the Netherlands with highly favorable effects for clients.

(Pre-)litigation, advisory

Defence counsel for vessel owner re an unjust and contractually exonerated demurrage claim.

Advisory, defence

Advising German industrialists in a European tender procedure.

Advisory, (pre-)litigation)

Acting for vessel owners in a technical dispute regarding vices in a bow thruster installed in a new-build seulting in extensive hull damage.

Advisory, litigation

Defence counsel for pushboat owners in an extensive allision (barge – quay) case.

Advisory, defence

Drafting of T&C for vessel managers, surveyors and shipyards.

Advisory, contractual

Acting for vessel owners in a new-build dispute over hidden vices in a non-return valve resulting in extensive hull damage.

Advisory, litigation

Acting for vessel owners against a shipyard in a dispute over contractual scope, performance and pricing.

Advisory, (pre-)litigation

Advising major shipowners on forum and choice of law clauses in contracts of affreightment.

Advisory

Advising shipowner on a Maritime Labour Convention claim for death of a seafarer.

Advisory

Defence counsel for pushboat owners in a collision between a pushtrain and a pleasure craft.

Advisory, litigation

Acting for major maritime traders in an international asset recovery matter against a former contractual partner.

Litigation

Acting for shipowners in a collision between a tanker and a pushtrain.

Litigation

Acting for insured interests of an antiques estate in an insurance coverage dispute in an extensive fire damage case.

Advisory, litigation

Defence counsel for insurers of cargo interests in a CMR theft case, in which carriers have launched negative declaratory (limitation) proceeding in the Netherlands.

Litigation

Acting for shipowners regarding a claim for hull damage following high-pressure water blasting.

Litigation

Defence counsel for barge owner in extensive limitation of liability proceedings following an allision with a bridge. Bridge owners and pushboat owners launched the claim that the barge was a seagoing vessel. This claim failed, leading to new case law on topic.

Litigation

Acting for shipowners in a limitation of liability procedure following an oil spill.

Litigation

Acting for barge owners regarding a hull claim following a three-party collision.

(Pre-)litigation

Advising industrial complex managers on facilities contracts and drafting contracts.

Advisory, contractual

Advising and acting for shipowners following an allision with a bridge.

Advisory, (pre-litigation)

Acting for industrial complex managers in a pricing dispute.

Litigation

Acting for an international bank in a major international asset recovery matter.

Advisory, litigation

Acting for shipowners regarding hull damages following a three-party collision.

Litigation

Defence counsel for pushboat owners and operators in a canal collision between a pushtrain and an inland vessel, which collision was caused by suction and lead to extensive damage.

Litigation

Defence counsel for pushboat owners in an allision between a bridge and a barge following the anchoring of the barge by the pushboat.

(Pre-)litigation

Defence counsel for shipowners encountering an unjust collision claim (no liability).

Litigation

Acting for pushboat owners and operators in a major limitation of liability case following the collosion of an inlang barge with a pushtrain.

Litigation

Acting for barge owners in a dispute over hull damages against the barge’s carriers.

(Pre-)litigation

Acting for major maritime traders in an international asset recovery matter against shipowners.

(Pre-)litigation

Advising and drafting SPA of a vessel.

Advisory, contractual

Advising on lease of property for major German industrialists and drafting the relevant contracts.

Advisory, contractual

Acting for major maritime traders in an international asset recovery matter against former contractual partner.

(Pre-)litigation

Acting for maritime agents of a vessel sold per judicial auction.

Advisory, litigation

Advising shipowners in allision matter in the Dutch Antilles following a hurricane.

Advisory