Clients
The Law Office of Mayte Cabada Esq., PLLC provides specialized legal counsel to clients across the global cruise and commercial shipping industries. With deep experience advising vessel owners, operators, charterers, agents, and brokers, the firm delivers commercially aligned legal solutions that support vessel readiness, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance in high-stakes, service-driven markets.
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Shipowners
We represent shipowners across the full lifecycle of vessel ownership—from shipbuilding and construction, to acquisition and financing, flagging and registration, operations and management, vessel sales, and end-of-life ship recycling. With extensive maritime experience, we advise cargo and cruise ship owners on regulatory compliance, asset protection, and transaction structuring to support long-term commercial success.
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Maintaining operational excellence is essential to delivering a safe, smooth, and high-quality experience for cruise passengers. Our legal services support every stage of cruise ship readiness and performance—from newbuild construction and major refurbishments to fleet operations, technical management, and drydocking. Each transaction is structured to address the cruise industry’s complex service-driven demands.
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In a demanding and deadline-driven marketplace, cargo ship owners must ensure that vessels are commercially deployed, contractual obligations are met, and cargo moves without delay. Advising on charter arrangements, logistics partnerships, and fleet management contracts that help prevent delays, minimize exposure to cargo claims, and ensure uninterrupted vessel performance—protecting both revenue and owner reputation.
Operators
We advise vessel operators—both technical and commercial—on a wide range of transactional matters essential to managing maritime assets and delivering efficient, compliant services across the shipping and cruise industries. Our clients include operators of cargo fleets and passenger cruise ships, including mainstream, luxury, and specialty cruises. We also communicate with classification societies and flag state authorities on behalf of vessel operators when legal challenges arise.
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For technical operators, we support the negotiation and structuring of ship management agreements, crewing contracts, and maintenance and repair arrangements, including planned drydock and emergency repair arrangements. We advise on outsourcing and subcontracting agreements with ship management companies, fuel suppliers, and service vendors.
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Commercial operators benefit from our support with charterparty negotiation, pool agreements, and voyage contract analysis. Our focus is on ensuring legal protections while optimizing commercial efficiency and profitability for the operator.
Charterers
Charterers play a critical role in the global shipping marketplace, whether securing tonnage for cargo transport or leasing vessels for specialized engagements. We represent bareboat (demise) charters, time, and voyage charterers in negotiating and drafting agreements, under industry standards (e.g., BIMCO standard forms such as NYPE, GENCON, and BARECON) as well as specialized contracts tailored to unique commercial requirements.
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For bareboat (demise) charterers, we advise on structuring long-term charter agreements that transfer full operational responsibility, including crewing, maintenance, and insurance. As bareboat charters are often utilized in connection with financing and purchase options, our services include working with owners, lenders and insurers to ensure arrangements minimize legal risk for our clients.
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For time charterers, our legal services focus on negotiating charterparty terms related to hire, vessel performance, off-hire, and operational risk. Well-structured agreements help protect against delays, liability exposure, and disputes throughout the time charter period.
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For voyage charters for cargo shipping, our services include drafting and negotiating charterparty agreements, addressing freight terms, laytime and demurrage, loading/discharge obligations, and ensuring clear risk allocation. We also help our clients manage their exposure to fluctuating fuel prices, delays, and sanctions risk through well-drafted clauses and supporting agreements (e.g., bunker adjustment clauses and war risk provisions).
For passenger cruise ship charterers—such as tour operators, hospitality brands, or event organizers—we structure short-term and seasonal charter arrangements for mainstream and niche markets. These arrangements often involve specialized contracts covering branding, hospitality, and guest services.
Shipyards
Ship Agents
Ship Brokers
Shipyards are vital to maritime innovation and capacity expansion. We advise shipbuilders, repair yards, and conversion facilities on a wide range of legal matters, including shipbuilding contracts, refund guarantees, milestones and delays, performance warranties, and technical disputes. Our legal team is adept at managing the interplay between contractual obligations, regulatory approvals, class requirements, and client expectations.
Ship agents act on behalf of shipowners or charterers to coordinate all aspects of a vessel’s port call, including cargo handling, customs clearance, freight forwarding, and documentation. Legal services for shipping agents include drafting and negotiating agency agreements that clearly define scope of authority, responsibilities, commission structures, and indemnity provisions. Counsel also addresses liability exposure in multi-party port operations, contractual alignment with charterparty terms, and compliance with local port regulations and international trade laws.
Legal services for ship brokers involved in vessel sale and purchase transactions include drafting and reviewing brokerage agreements, commission clauses, and non-circumvention provisions. A key area of support involves reviewing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), typically based on BIMCO’s Saleform (e.g., NSF 2012), to ensure that the terms align with the broker’s role and obligations. This includes advising on conditions of sale, inspection rights, delivery mechanics, deposit and payment structures, and dispute resolution provisions. Counsel also addresses risk allocation, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance to help brokers manage liability and ensure their entitlements are protected throughout the transaction.