Maritime/Offshore

The Maritime and Offshore Team represents a variety of clients in admiralty and other offshore energy matters. We have extensive experience in resolving issues for the traditional "blue water" marine client as well as in the "brown water" oil and gas activities of the Gulf of Mexico. The latter includes exploration, development, production and transportation of oil and gas. Our experience in both marine and offshore include drafting charters, negotiating ship building and repair agreements, employment related problems, towage contracts and litigation arising from accidents resulting in claims for personal injuries and/or property damage.

Adams and Reese Maritime and Offshore Team attorneys immediately respond to our clients' needs. Team members can be reached at any hour. We are able to appropriately and immediately respond to an emergency, assisting the client in retaining experts and assisting with necessary communications between the client and governmental agencies, Federal and state, regarding regulatory as well as potential litigation matters.

Our attorneys have represented clients before all courts, governmental regulatory bodies and tribunals, as well as in alternate dispute resolution (ADR), including arbitration and mediation. We have experience in litigating disputes associated with claims for oil pollution; charter parties; oil well liens; cargo loss or damage; salvage; limitation of liability; marine and energy insurance coverage issues; disputes arising from drilling, construction and financing agreements, Federal compensation claims (USL&H); maritime liens; vessel mortgages; towage; general average; collisions and allisions. Our clients range from local to national and international companies and include oil and gas producers, vessel owners and operators, shipyards, drilling contractors and service companies.

Increased activity in and around the Gulf South has resulted in myriad challenges for operators, employers, contractors and joint ventures as well as their underwriters. In the last decade, the oil and gas industry has dramatically increased both exploration and production activities. Whether advising oil and gas operators, marine transport, offshore supply companies, drilling contractors, or barge lines, our experience assists clients in fulfilling their needs and accomplishing their goals. Our offices are strategically located along the Gulf Coast.

• Oil and gas producers operating in and offshore states bordering the Gulf of Mexico.
• Drillers and their service companies supporting exploration and production (E&P) activities.
• Representation of a shipyard in the acquisition of a shipbuilding business.
• Representation of a tanker company in negotiation of large construction project with the shipyard and issuance of MARAD bonds.