Ship Sale & Purchase Agreements

The acquisition and disposal of vessels are among the most significant transactions in the maritime industry, involving substantial financial commitments, technical due diligence, regulatory approvals, and cross-border legal considerations. Whether purchasing a second-hand vessel, disposing of fleet assets, acquiring offshore units, or restructuring maritime holdings, a carefully negotiated Ship Sale&Purchase Agreement (SPA) is essential to protect commercial interests and ensure a smooth transfer of ownership. Most international vessel transactions are documented using industry-standard agreements such as the Norwegian Saleform (NSF/Saleform 2012) and NIPPONSALE, which govern critical issues including vessel condition, inspection rights, deposits, payment mechanisms, title warranties, delivery procedures, and allocation of risk between buyer and seller. Proper legal oversight is essential to avoid disputes relating to encumbrances, hidden liabilities, classification issues, mortgage releases, and regulatory compliance. Our maritime law team advises shipowners, buyers, sellers, financiers, investors, shipping companies, offshore operators, and maritime asset managers on structuring, negotiating, documenting, and completing vessel sale and purchase transactions across domestic and international markets.