UAE Ship Seizures and Maritime Claims within UAE Waters—What You Need to Know

In the UAE, as with booming shipping trade, ship arrest and maritime claim are essential law tools protecting shipowner, charterer, cargo owner, and creditor interests. As a ship owner, cruise ship business, marine insurance company, or sea trade commerce, being knowledgeable about ship arrest in the UAE is a requirement.

What is a Ship Arrest?

Arrest of a ship is a legal measure of immobilization of a ship from navigation for the purpose of protecting a claim in a maritime case.

• In UAE, the ship arrest is governed under the Federal Maritime Law (Federal Law No. 26 of 1981).

• It lays down an exhaustive list of claims, for instance:

  • Non-payment for port dues

  • Salary for crew

  • Collision

  • Damage

  • Salvage operations

In the practice of cruise ship law and in sea law, an order for arrest is usually the initial step within in obtaining payment for damages or debts are received prior to a ship departing a harbor.

Who Can Pursue a Maritime Claim in UAE?

Anyone with a valid maritime claim can approach the UAE maritime courts for ship arrest. Typical parties are:

• Shipowners and charterers

• Service providers and suppliers (for failure to pay)

• Insurers and P&I clubs

• Shippers asking for compensation

The claim should be made with reference to the operation of the ship, i.e., cargo claims, salvage, or ship damage.

Cruise Lines and Juridical Exigencies

The cruise ships, with their massive size, complex operations, and scores of people on board, are subject to a distinct set of legal risks.

Cruise ship arrest attorneys also need to factor in:

• Passenger claims

• Medevac emergencies

• Schedule disruptions

• Environmental concerns

Even in UAE waters, cruise ships can be arrested upon valid maritime claims, and therefore swift action must be taken to prevent costly disruptions.

How Do Police in UAE Make an Arrest?

To hold in detention:

1. Making a Claim:
   The claimant must bring in evidence in a maritime claim in the local maritime court.

2. Ex Parte Application:
   UAE courts typically issue ship arrests ex parte, i.e., without giving notice to the shipowner.

3. Security Deposit:
   It can be a condition for the claimant giving a financial guarantee/bond.

4. Detention of Vessel:
   The port authority will detain the vessel after an arrest warrant, until:

   • Money compensation is paid, or

   • The case is decided.

This process can be done in a short time, especially in ports with experience in handling maritime operations, like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Fujairah.

Release of a Ship

A ship in custody can be released when the shipowner:

• Settles the amount claimed

• Offers a bank guarantee

• Resolves a case with a claimant

Unless settled, the court can eventually auction the ship in order to enforce the claim.

Why Maritime Law Expert Support is Important

Maritime law and international shipping law being highly technical fields, engaging professional cruise ship lawyers in the UAE is of utmost importance.

They help you:

• Keep posted with local legislations

• Safeguard your economic interest

• Accelerate the arrest or release process efficiently

Conclusion

Maritime claims and maritime arrests are a legal procedure—more than a legal procedure, in fact, even within the vigorous maritime culture of the UAE.

As either a claimant asserting your rights or a ship protecting itself against arrest, you need legal advice in maritime law above all else.