
Gorrissen Federspiel is renowned as a ‘leading shipping law firm’ with ’in-depth knowledge and understanding of global shipping regulations and industry specific challenges.’ Led by Peter Appel, the team advises major Danish and international ship-owners, shipyards and ports, industry investors and financiers, as well as insurance companies. Appel is highly experienced in handling large transactions, financing arrangements, and setting up international operations, in addition to being a leading maritime litigator. Thomas Edelgaard Christensen is a notable expert in handling major marine casualties, both in Denmark and internationally, while Morten Hans Jakobsen specialises in aviation, air finance, and ship financing, with expertise in leasing, sales, purchases, and regulatory matters. Morten Berggreen is another key member.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has a good mix of experience and recent graduates, and they seem to be good at developing individual employees - and without compromising on the task in front of the customer. In addition, always a good dialogue where they understand us, the company and the task.'
- 'In-depth, second-to-none knowledge of the shipping industry. Hands-on experience from the various parts of the business. Up-to-date knowledge of current issues affecting the industry.'
- 'To a certain extent, Gorrissen, shipping and the Nordics just belong together, when it comes to industry knowledge and expert legal advice. In this, Gorrissen stands for high-quality legal advice, but also for promoting the shipping industry as such via national and international associations and relationship building.'
- 'It's the biggest shipping law department in Denmark, with a very broad range of highly specialised lawyers. They have a very good commercial understanding and give very precise and fast advice.'
- 'Partners Morten Berggreen and Johan Casper Hennings and associates Morten Schou Kierulff and Thomas Edelgaard Christensen are all very valued advisors and their assistance with advising our business with ongoing advise on transactions, ship-building contracts and compliance is very much appreciated.'
- ‘Gorrissen Federspiel is, in my opinion, a leading shipping law firm, with an in-depth knowledge and deep understanding of global shipping regulations and industry-specific challenges. Their expertise spans a wide range of areas, including shipping finance, vessel acquisition, cargo disputes, environment compliance, and marine insurance claims etc.'
- 'GF's lawyers stand out for their deep sector expertise, offering practical, and solutions-driven advice. They differentiate themselves by acting as strategic partners, not just legal advisors.'
- ‘The only real one-stop legal platform in Copenhagen offering full pallets of corporate legal needs as an international shipping group.'
Key clients
- A.P. Moeller Maersk A/S
- Cadeler A/S
Work highlights
- Advised Cadeler A/S on a $1.2bn agreement to combine its business with Eneti Inc.
- Advised DFDS A/S on a carve-out and structured sales process for the divestment of the RoPax ferry service between Oslo, Frederikshavn and Copenhagen.
- Advised Zebra A/S in a shipping dispute against DSV Air & Sea A/S concerning a breach of a freight services agreement for international sea carriage.
Lawyers

Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Peter Appel