Goods worth millions of rials pass through Sohar, Duqm, Salalah and Muscat, and damaged cargo, delays or freight disputes can disrupt your trade and cost you heavily. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants acts as a maritime and transport lawyer in Oman, advising traders, importers, exporters, carriers and forwarders on sea, land and air transport disputes and maritime sales, with over 20 years of experience.
Oman's new Maritime Law
The Maritime Law issued by Royal Decree 19/2023 replaced the 1981 law. Its 387 articles cover ship registration and ownership, charterparties, carriage of goods and passengers under bills of lading, maritime liens, marine insurance and more. A key feature is the right of a creditor holding a maritime claim to apply for the precautionary arrest of a ship to prevent it leaving Omani waters; the new law widened the range of maritime claims that can support an arrest, and a ship can be released against adequate security.
Land and air carriage are governed by the contract of carriage, the legislation specific to each mode and the relevant international conventions. All modes share one important feature: short time limits for notice and for bringing claims. Acting late can cost you a claim that is otherwise clear.
When do you need a maritime and transport lawyer?
- Cargo arrives damaged or short, or is lost in sea, land or air transit.
- Delivery is delayed and causes you losses.
- Freight, detention or demurrage charges are disputed.
- Goods are released without the original bill of lading, or bill of lading details are disputed.
- You need to arrest a ship to secure a maritime claim, or release a vessel that has been arrested.
- A charterparty dispute arises.
- A buyer and seller disagree under an FOB, CIF or similar maritime sale.
- An insurer refuses or reduces a cargo or marine claim.
- You are in dispute with a freight forwarder, clearing agent or trucking company.
Our services
- Reviewing carriage contracts, bills of lading, charterparties and agency agreements.
- Sending timely notices and claims to carriers and their agents, and arranging surveys to document loss.
- Bringing cargo claims for loss, damage and delay, and defending carriers and forwarders.
- Ship arrest applications and releases, including security arrangements.
- International and maritime sale disputes, and drafting sale contracts that make the transfer of risk clear.
- Marine and cargo insurance claims.
- Representation in arbitration, which many shipping contracts require, and in commercial litigation.
- Enforcing judgments and awards in transport disputes.
Read also: Oman New Maritime Law Explained
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my goods arrive damaged?
Note your reservations in writing on delivery, photograph the goods and containers, appoint an independent surveyor and notify the carrier and your insurer quickly. These steps preserve your right to compensation; delay weakens your position.
Can a ship be arrested in Oman?
Yes. Under the Omani Maritime Law a holder of a maritime claim can ask the court to arrest the ship concerned, or in the cases set out in the law another ship owned by the debtor. The vessel can be released if adequate security is provided. The application must be prepared quickly and precisely.
Who bears the loss: the carrier or the seller?
It depends on the sale terms and when risk passed to the buyer, on the cause and timing of the damage, and on the carrier's liability and its limits under the bill of lading and the law. We review all the documents together before deciding where to direct the claim.
Are there time limits for transport claims?
Yes. The law, conventions and carriage contracts set relatively short periods for notice and for filing claims, depending on the mode and type of claim. Seek advice without delay.
If your cargo has been damaged or delayed, or you have a dispute with a carrier or forwarder, contact Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office on WhatsApp, call +968 92000841, or visit us at Bait Al Hamad, third floor, Al Khuwair, Muscat, near Takaful Oman Insurance and Bank Muscat, opposite the Ministries area.