The shipping and transport department at Uría Menéndez is lauded for its ‘excellent industry knowledge’, ‘in-depth advice’, and tendency to go the ‘extra mile’ when assisting clients. Typical mandates for the group include advising on both dry and wet shipping matters, including shipbuilding and financing contracts, M&A, insurance claims and collisions, among others. Practice head Carlos López-Quiroga focuses on transport and maritime law, showcasing particular experience in M&A and restructuring matters. Luz Martínez De Azcoitia is the name to contact for banking and finance mandates in the transport sector. Other notable individuals include Diego Pérez, a key contact for domestic and foreign shipowners and port terminals seeking advice on vessel construction, repair and acquisition contracts, and Laura Peláez, who is recommended for administrative proceedings before port authorities.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Highly responsive and experienced team - from partner to associate, every team member adds value to a deal.’
  • 'Good combination of technical knowledge, political acumen and relevant experience in litigation, negotiation and permitting.’
  • ‘The best qualities of Carlos López Quiroga are his extensive knowledge of the sector, experience, and his search for solutions and alternatives.’
  • ‘The lawyers who make up the firm not only have full knowledge of the matters they deal with but are capable of analysing and delving into the smallest details to offer full and in-depth advice to clients.’
  • ‘The lawyers in the team will go the extra mile to assist us, being available to discuss projects as well as possible matters at short notice. The advice provided is also accurate but delivered in a commercial context with plain English, which is important given the differences in legal systems.’
  • ‘What makes the practice unique is the quality of its professionals, in terms of legal and sector knowledge, the permanent search for solutions and alternatives, and their proximity and availability.’
  • ‘They have excellent industry knowledge, and we receive swift and accurate advice when needed.’

Key clients

  • CaixaBank, S.A.
  • Alúmina España, S.A.
  • Knutsen OAS Shipping
  • Cosco Shipping Port (Spain) Terminals
  • Asociación Nacional de Empresas Estibadoras y Centros de Empleo (ANESCO)
  • Virgin Money UK, Plc.
  • CMA Terminals SAS
  • ING Bank (London branch)
  • MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, S.A.
  • China Construction Bank Europe
  • Aquaship AS
  • Société Générale
  • Astilleros de Santander (ASTANDER)
  • Astilleros Canarios, S.A. (ASTICAN)
  • Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV)
  • Valaris

Work highlights

  • Advised the Spanish National Association of Stevedoring Companies and Employment Centres (ANESCO) on the legal measures to combat increasing energy prices and the pleadings against the bill of the Autonomous Region of Catalonia imposing a new tax levied against emissions of ships in that region’s ports.
  • Advised China Construction Bank Europe on the financing granted to CSP Iberian Bilbao Terminal, S.L.
  • Advised Astilleros Canarios, S.A. (ASTICAN) on the process for obtaining an extension of its port concession for an additional 25 years.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Carlos López-Quiroga

Other key lawyers

Luz Martínez de Azcoitia, Diego Pérez, Laura Peláez