Maritime and transport law

We offer legal advice on all types of transport-related issues.

We advise on all forms of transportation: maritime transport, road transport and forwarding, rail transport, air transport and logistics (3PL). In addition, we advise on transport law insurance matters. Our expertise includes issues related to disputes as well as issues such as sale, registration and financing of ships as well as issues related to employees. 

The transport of goods is an industry which, by its very nature, is international to a significant extent, and where the carrier’s responsibility is governed by international rules and agreements. In general, the carrier is given relatively far‑reaching possibilities to limit its liability for any damage to transported goods.

In addition, the statutory time limits in order to submit claims against the carrier are shorter than normal. For those who have caused damage to transported goods, or who have suffered damage or delay in conjunction with the purchase of transport services, it is often absolutely crucial that the legal advice obtained is given by lawyers with an understanding of the special conditions pertaining to the transport industry. 

Ever since the law firm was established, Vinge has been one of Sweden’s most prominent advisers within maritime and transport law.

Vinge has long and solid experience of both issues related to the carrier’s responsibility for loaded goods within various types of transport sectors and disputed issues related thereto. Since we regularly deal with legal issues related to shipwrecks, salvage and regulatory issues concerning all types of transport, for example matters concerning cabotage, vehicle safety, permits and cargo traffic safety, Vinge can offer one of the most comprehensive advisory services on the market.

Among other things, we can help you with:

• Disputes and arbitral proceedings that are connected to the transport industry.
• Damage to goods and liability issues in connection with maritime transport, road transport and forwarding, rail transport, air transport and logistics (3PL).
• Transport law insurance issues.
• Sale, registration and financing of ships.
• Labour law issues related to transport.
• Regulatory issues relating to all types of transport, such as cabotage and vehicle safety cases.

Through Vinge’s full‑service business law offering, we can provide support in all commercial law matters.

What our clients say about us

According to publications such as Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners, Vinge is one of Sweden’s leading law firms within maritime and transport law.

Legal 500, 2024

‘Advokatfirman Vinge is the go-to firm when it comes to all kinds of transport law in the Nordics. Their expertise in the field is simply unparalleled.’

‘A competent and diverse team with great skills and knowledge, including an ability to think outside the box in their search for answers, an ability to listen, to communicate in a simple and understandable way, and to adapt to situations.’

‘The team has strong legal skills and vast expertise in the area. They provide exquisite attention to clients and colleagues. A highly recommended firm and lawyers.’

Legal 500, 2023

‘The best team that I have worked with in this field of law.’

‘Vinge has a great group of experts in the field of shipping.’

‘Fast response and to the point communication and solutions.’ 

Legal 500, 2022

‘I find Vinge to be a very responsive and diligent shipping practice. We had instructed them on short notice to assist in potential arrest proceedings in Sweden and they were very quick with their turn around. While arrests are not common in Sweden, the Vinge team do possess sufficient technical expertise to advise on the merits and risks that may be associated with arrest in Sweden. Vinge is also capable of understanding and conveying Swedish legal concepts in a way which common law lawyers can understand.’

‘We simply think, that in Transport and Logistics field, they are one of the best in Sweden and also with good knowledge of EU legislation.’

‘The Shipping team has broad and deep experience in the field. This contributes to a strategic discussion and handling of matters. I feel confident they will solve my issues swiftly and spot on.’

Chambers and Partners, 2020

One client states that the team "has very good knowledge and a commercial perspective." Another client says: Vinge was an excellent partner with very reliable and specific advice for both the strategy and actual execution of the project.

Legal 500, 2020

“The availability and provision of services is very good and of high quality. Vinge is always available for the client when we require services.”

“I have trusted them with very qualified issues over the past years and they never disappoint.” The team is highly qualified in the field and is able to combine high level legal advice with a pragmatic approach, which makes the services useful without much extra work for me as in-house counsel.

“Very flexible and good at adapting their services to our needs, but at the same time careful about having a clear agreement about the scope of the assignment.”

Chambers and Partners, 2019

The practice's grasp of the sector is acclaimed by commentators, one client maintaining that “it's one of the best legal teams within transport, cargo and maritime law nationally in Sweden.”

Legal 500, 2019

“highly skilled lawyers, who are always attentive and have great business knowledge”