Who We Represent
The Law Office of Mayte Cabada Esq., PLLC is trusted by vessel owners, operators, charterers, brokers, agents, and marine service providers across the global shipping, passenger cruise, and private yacht industries. With a proven track record of navigating diverse legal frameworks and complex regulatory regimes, we deliver actionable strategies that safeguard compliance and advance long-term commercial success worldwide.
Passenger Cruise Ship Lines
Cruise line companies across every market segment-from ultramodern megaships to luxury expedition vessels-must maintain streamlined operations to deliver consistent and high-level guest experiences. With broad cruise expertise across varying markets, our legal team advises on the full spectrum of commercial arrangements that drive vessel performance and elevate the passenger journey.
For the megaship cruise market, cruise lines manage significant passenger volume, extensive crew engagements, and large marine fleets. Our transactional practice covers shipbuilding, construction, and refurbishment agreements as well as technical management and dry dock contracts, and hospitality, tourism, and brand partnerships. Each transaction is structured to reflect the cruise industry’s rigorous international standards, including compliance with SOLAS, the ISM Code, MARPOL, port state control, and manning requirements.
Emerging cruise segments--luxury, boutique, and adventure—demand legal strategies that foster environmental stewardship, innovation and design. We guide startup and established operators on newbuild projects for polar-class and small-ship fleets, as well as charter, leasing, and conversion agreements involving unique vessel types and premium-spec accommodations.
Our comprehensive approach ensures that every client—from the largest global operator to the newest boutique entrant—navigates through legal and regulatory waters with confidence, supported by a law firm with substantial cruise industry expertise.
Commercial Shipping Lines
In today’s global trade marketplace, shipping lines must ensure that their vessels are strategically deployed, contractual obligations are fulfilled, and goods are transported without disruption. Delays and disruptions can have immediate financial consequences and long-term reputational risks.
With extensive industry knowledge, we offer maritime legal services for a wide range of shipping clients. Our legal guidance helps shipping clients mitigate exposure to cargo claims, demurrage risks, and compliance issues, while reinforcing performance standards and protecting operational continuity.
For container and bulk operators, we counsel on shipbuilding, financing, and charter party agreements, fleet management and terminal service contracts, and logistics partnerships. For specialized carriers, such as LNG, chemicals, or heavy-lift loading, we negotiate tailored agreements that reflect unique vessel capabilities, long-term charter commitments, and stringent safety and environmental standards.
By structuring resilient and commercially aligned contracts, whether for large container ships or specialized cargo vessels, our maritime team helps shipping lines maintain a competitive edge in global trade commerce.
Private Yacht Owners
As a pinnacle of luxury, private yacht ownership represents freedom of movement on the water and demands the highest level of protection and discretion.
We advise discerning yacht owners, family offices, and management companies through every stage of yacht acquisition, ownership, and operation, making certain that the experience is effortless, secure, and tailored to their unique priorities. We negotiate high-value newbuilds and brokerage contracts, coordinate financing and insurance solutions, and manage the full suite of flag selection, registration, and certification to protect the yacht owner’s interests at every stage of the transaction.
Beyond acquisition, we deliver ongoing legal support that preserves the value and performance of each vessel. Whether structuring charter programs, managing crewing arrangements, overseeing refit projects, or navigating complex compliance requirements, we ensure that every yacht meets the international standards of safety, security, and excellence.
By aligning legal strategy with lifestyle priorities, we empower clients to enjoy the true essence of yacht ownership-freedom to enjoy every moment on the water.
Yacht Managers & Ship Brokers
Yacht managers and ship brokers depend on clear, enforceable agreements to ensure that their commissions are earned and protected. We provide legal support that safeguards brokers’ entitlements at every stage of the sale and purchase process, from drafting and reviewing brokerage agreements and commission clauses to structuring non-circumvention provisions that prevent workarounds.
Our legal guidance covers the full transaction cycle—conditions of sale, inspection rights, delivery arrangements, deposits and escrows, and payment structures—preserving broker commission rights regardless of how the deal unfolds. We also advise on dispute resolution mechanisms and confidentiality to help brokers minimize liability while maintaining their professional standing.
By reinforcing commission protections through precise legal documentation, we enable brokers to focus on what they do best—driving transactions forward and building long-term client relationships—with confidence that their financial interests are secure.
Vessel Operators
Vessel operators face constant pressure to balance efficiency, compliance, and profitability. We advise technical and commercial operators including shipping fleets and passenger cruise lines, and support in keeping their businesses moving forward. With significant maritime knowledge and commercial savviness, our legal team provides guidance from ship management and crewing contracts, to drydock and maintenance arrangements, as well as charterparties, pooling agreements, and voyage contracts. By combining maritime expertise with commercial insight, we deliver legal strategies that help operators achieve operational resilience and efficiency while maintaining compliance and increased profitability.
Charterers
Chartering a vessel—whether a commercial ship or a yacht—opens doors to opportunity but exposes charterers to risks, from unclear responsibilities and delays to rising fuel costs and regulatory hurdles. We support charter clients by structuring clear agreements that align with commercial goals while minimizing legal and operational exposures. Our focus is on clarity, protection, and smooth operations—whether negotiating long-term bareboat contracts, safeguarding time charterers against performance issues, guiding voyage charterers through freight, laytime, and sanctions, or ensuring yacht charterers enjoy seamless experiences without hidden liabilities. We approach every charter with risk management at the core, strengthening our clients’ commercial and leisure positions in a complex and shifting market.
Ship Agents
Ship agents are essential to smooth port calls, coordinating cargo ship handling, customs, and documentation. We support agents by drafting and negotiating agreements that clearly set out authority, responsibilities, and payment structures while protecting against liability in complex port operations. Our counsel ensures alignment with charterparty terms and compliance with port regulations and trade laws, giving ship agents the confidence to operate efficiently and securely.
We also provide guidance on dispute resolution and insurance protections so agents can handle challenges with clarity and assurance. By focusing on practical solutions, we help ship agents save time, safeguard relationships with shipowners and charterers, and keep their operations running without interruption.
Marine Service Providers
Marine service providers deliver a wide range of specialized services to keep vessel operations running smoothly. This can include ship repair and maintenance (like engine servicing, hull cleaning, and supplying provisions), port and logistics support (such as pilotage, towage, bunkering, and cargo handling), and offshore assistance for industries like oil, gas, and renewable energy. These providers also offer technical services, equipment certification, marine surveying, and environmental protection measures—ensuring ships, crews, and facilities operate safely, efficiently, and in line with global standards.
As a trusted partner to marine service providers, our firm helps protect these businesses and unlock new opportunities across the maritime sector. From negotiating contracts to advising on financing, joint ventures, and risk management, we provide the legal foundations to give marine service providers the opportunity and the legal foundation to grow into future opportunities.