Regulatory, Government and Security

Knowledge and Experience to Lead You

Whether you operate a shipyard or design, manufacture, build or own ships, knowledge of regulatory matters within your industry is critical to your success. Holland & Knight's Maritime Regulatory and Public Law practice represents maritime industry clients in regulatory matters and proceedings before every U.S. federal regulatory agency having jurisdiction.

Proactive Stance to Protect Diverse Needs

The diverse nature of the clients we counsel, including shipyards, ship owners and operators, component manufacturers, design firms and other interests, ensures that we stand ready to respond to any and all of your maritime industry needs.

Guiding clients through state and local regulatory affairs, and international regulatory issues with the IMO and other regulatory bodies, as well as classification societies and other private industry groups is our business. Our maritime attorneys take a proactive stance to provide you with early warnings regarding various rulemakings. Ensuring that your concerns are taken into account by regulatory bodies and by the appropriate individuals on Capitol Hill is our priority.

Maritime Security Built for the 21st Century

You understand the need for heightened transportation security in a world where terrorism and piracy are harsh realities. Holland & Knight is experienced in all aspects relating to intermodal transportation, safety and protection in the homeland security framework.


Global Representation With Open Communication

When you need to interact with the U.S. government or the governments of other nations, you want the security of representation by experienced counselors with proper connections. To successfully conduct international maritime law dealings, it is essential to know the law, the process, the ethics and the players involved. Holland & Knight's global involvement includes acting as special Liberian, Marshall Islands and Vanuatu counsel and issuing legal opinions with respect to the laws of those nations.

Representative Matters

Regulatory

• representing client before the Executive Branch and Regulatory Agencies and the Congress with respect to proposed rule makings by the EPA concerning engine emissions of vessels operating exclusively on the Great Lakes and the U.S. Coast Guard concerning ballast water discharges
• representing an offshore operator before the Executive Branch and Congress concerning Federal Maritime Law implications on foreign support vessels operating in the Gulf of Mexico/U.S. OCS
• representing a client before the Executive Branch and Congress concerning Federal Maritime Law including U.S. Customs and Border Patrol rulings and proposed revision of interpretation and U.S. Coast Guard Manning Exemptions
• representing a Fortune 100 company with respect to licensing as a non-vessel operation carrier and freight forwarder in connection with service contracts and all regulatory matters involving Federal Maritime Commission, Customs Border Protection, U.S. Department of Transportation and FMCSA
• advising Cruise Lines International Association on regulatory matters involving Federal Maritime Commission and advise on policy and rulemaking issues affecting the cruise industry and association and cruise advertising and marketing
• representing client before the U.S. Congress, Departments of Homeland Security, Transportation and Defense concerning the organization of a 501(c)(3) qualified corporation for the transfer and operation of U.S. Flag emergency response vessels and the related training of U.S. first responders
• represented Bunge with in FMC Docket No. 01-06, Exclusive Tug Franchises -- Marine Terminal Operators Serving the Lower Mississippi River
• representing a vessel purchaser in front of the Environmental Protection Agency and Maritime Administration respecting the potential presence of PCBs on a vessel