Transport | Maritime | Logistics

We advise shipping companies, freight forwarders, cargo owners, insurers and logistics operators on transport and maritime law — from carriage of goods disputes and cargo damage claims to charter parties, bills of lading and multimodal transport liability. We are one of the few firms in Finland offering specialist maritime and logistics law services with a strong Baltic and international cross-border focus.

We work closely with our Insurance Law and Dispute Resolution & Arbitration teams on cases where transport liability and insurance claims overlap.

Meet the expert

LKOS Specialist Partner Oscari Seppälä leads the transport, maritime and logistics practice. He has extensive experience in complex transport disputes, risk management and cross-border logistics matters, advising clients across Finland, the Baltic region and international markets.

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Transport and maritime law expert at LKOS Law Office

  • Transport framework contracts;
  • Offshore agreements;
  • Cargo claims;
  • Recourse claims;
  • Maritime;
  • Charter parties;
  • Green shipping;
  • Ship arrests, etc. 

Transport Law | Shipping & Maritime | Logistics

LKOS Law Office has been one of Finland's leading advisers in shipping, maritime and transport law since the firm's founding. With a decade of hands-on experience in transport law, we are a recognised and trusted transport law practice in Finland.

Our specialisation spans shipping, maritime, transport and insurance law. We offer seasoned advice on maritime and transport matters, including freight forwarding and warehousing, as well as liability and cargo insurance. Our team's practical industry knowledge enables us to provide hands-on, value-added solutions. We are renowned for drafting tailored logistics agreements and adeptly resolving cargo claims, collisions, salvage issues, charter party disputes and other maritime challenges.

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Holistic approach to transport law

Our transport team possesses practical industry knowledge, enabling us to provide comprehensive, value-added advice. Our firm is recognized for drafting case-specific and general logistics agreements. We efficiently resolve cargo claims, collisions, salvage issues, charter party and maritime disputes, as well as cabotage and permits issues. Additionally, we regularly represent clients in maritime court proceedings and complex transport-related disputes.

We are renowned for successfully managing complex maritime, shipping, and transport claims, both in and out of court. Whether dealing with cargo damage, contractual disputes or coverage questions under insurance policies and recourse claims, we ensure our clients' rights are protected efficiently and cost-effectively.

Road Transport

Road transport in Finland is primarily regulated by the Road Transport Agreements Act (345/1979, as amended, FI: tiekuljetussopimuslaki). The Finnish Road Transport Agreements Act is based on the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (the "CMR Convention"). However, the Act contains certain provisions that deviate for domestic transportation. The provisions of the Road Transport Agreements Act are mandatory in nature.

Sea Transport

Over 90 percent of Finland's exports and over 70 percent of its imports are conducted via sea transport.

Sea transport in Finland is governed by the Finnish Maritime Code (674/1994, as amended, FI: merilaki). This code includes provisions on various aspects, including the carriage of goods, chartering of vessels, nationality of vessels, ship-owners' liability, collisions, salvage and maritime liens. The maritime codes of all Nordic countries are essentially similar, as they were drafted as part of a common Nordic legislation initiative.

Freight Forwarding

In Finland, the freight forwarding business sector is not regulated by any specific legislation. However, this sector widely applies its own general terms as contractual conditions. These are known as the General Conditions of the Nordic Association of Freight Forwarders, referred to as NSAB 2015 (FI: PSYM 2015).

Transport Lawyers' Publications

The firm's shipping, maritime and transport practice group regularly publishes articles on relevant subject matters. Recent topics include:

  • Changes to the Act on Fairway Dues
  • Proposed reforms to the Finnish Act on Export Control of Dual-Use Items
  • Amendments to the Railway Transport Act
  • Expert opinions supporting clients before the Finnish Financial Ombudsman Bureau's Insurance Complaints Board

You can explore further insights on transport, sanctions and international trade in our International Trade & Sanctions and Insurance service areas.

Transport Law is International

The nature of goods transport is inherently international, making the shipping, maritime and transport industry subject to international rules and agreements. At LKOS Law Office, we advise clients on legal matters related to transport contracts, transportation conventions and regulatory issues across all types of transport. This enables us to offer a genuinely comprehensive advisory service to freight forwarders, shipowners, insurers, policyholders and carriers. Many of these matters intersect with international trade and sanctions regulation and specialist insurance coverage questions.

Related Services and Expertise

Transport, maritime and logistics matters are closely linked with other key business law areas. Explore related services:

Contact our transport law team