Ship Arrest Lawyer in Dubai
When a vessel calls at a UAE port, it creates a narrow window to secure a maritime claim against it — a ship arrest lawyer moves fast to keep that window from closing.
Vessel arrest in the UAE is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 43 of 2023 concerning Maritime Law, which came into effect on 29 March 2024 and replaced the earlier 1981 maritime law. The new law modernised arrest procedure and expanded the list of qualifying maritime debts, aligning UAE practice more closely with international norms. Jurisdiction over vessels in Dubai's waters and ports sits with the onshore Dubai Courts.
The firm acts for claimants seeking to arrest a vessel — verifying the underlying maritime debt, identifying the target vessel, and filing the ex parte application without advance notice to the shipowner — as well as for shipowners and P&I Clubs responding to an arrest, negotiating release, or challenging an arrest as wrongful or excessive.
A vessel may only remain in port for a matter of hours before sailing again, so the application, supporting evidence, and claim documentation must be prepared correctly the first time — there is rarely a second opportunity once a ship has left UAE waters.
How a Ship Arrest Works
- Claim & Vessel VerificationThe lawyer confirms the existence of a qualifying maritime debt and identifies the target vessel and its current or expected location in a UAE port.
- Ex Parte Arrest ApplicationAn urgent application is filed before the competent Dubai court without notifying the shipowner in advance, to prevent the vessel sailing before an order is issued.
- Arrest Order & Port NotificationOnce granted, the arrest order is served on the relevant port authority, which prevents the vessel from departing.
- Shipowner's ResponseThe shipowner may challenge the arrest, contest the underlying claim, or open negotiations on the terms for release.
- Security & ReleaseThe vessel is released once the owner posts acceptable security — typically a bank guarantee or a P&I Club Letter of Undertaking covering the claim.
- Underlying Claim ProceedsArrest is a precautionary measure only; the underlying maritime claim is then pursued to a final determination through litigation or arbitration.
When You Need a Ship Arrest Lawyer
- A vessel owing you money for unpaid freight, charter hire, or bunkers has called at a UAE port.
- You are a cargo owner or insurer with an unresolved claim against a carrier whose vessel is expected in Dubai.
- You need to act within hours before a vessel completes loading or discharge and sails again.
- Your vessel has been arrested and you need to secure its prompt release.
- You are a supplier owed for bunkers, repairs, or port services and the vessel is your only practical security.
- You need to establish UAE jurisdiction over a foreign shipowner with no other presence in the country.
Services We Provide
- Urgent ex parte ship arrest applications before the Dubai Courts
- Vessel and maritime claim verification prior to filing
- Coordination with UAE port authorities and the harbour master's office
- Negotiating release against bank guarantee or P&I Club Letter of Undertaking
- Defending shipowners against wrongful or excessive arrest
- Re-arrest and multiple-vessel arrest strategy for group-owned fleets
- Follow-on representation in the underlying maritime claim, in court or arbitration
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can a vessel be arrested in Dubai?
Where the claim is properly supported, an arrest application can be filed and granted within the same day or the next working day — speed is essential because vessels often remain in port for only a short window.
What claims qualify for a ship arrest?
Qualifying maritime claims include unpaid freight, charter hire, crew wages, cargo damage, collision damage, salvage, general average, and bunker or supply debts, among others recognised under UAE Maritime Law.
Can I arrest a vessel that isn't owned by my debtor?
Arrest generally targets the vessel connected to the claim or, in limited circumstances, a sister vessel in common ownership — this is assessed case by case and requires careful evidence of ownership.
What happens if the arrest turns out to be unjustified?
A shipowner who suffers loss from a wrongful or excessive arrest may claim damages against the arresting party, which is why the underlying claim and evidence must be properly verified before an application is filed.
How is a vessel released after arrest?
The vessel is released once acceptable security — typically a bank guarantee or a P&I Club Letter of Undertaking covering the claim amount — is posted and accepted, or ordered by the court.