Language - English
Mehtab Kassam is a managing associate with a global practice that spans shipping, commodities, trade, and energy sectors. Her clients include leading logistics, shipping, and marine services providers, as well as insurers, ship operators, and port authorities. Mehtab's extensive experience in the Middle East and beyond makes her a sought-after counsel for those navigating the intricacies of international trade and maritime law.
She regularly advises on terminal services agreements, charterparties, bills of lading, and contracts of affreightment. Her expertise extends to handling disputes in the English High Court, UAE Courts, and DIFC Courts, as well as arbitration under LMAA, GAFTA, and DIAC rules.
Mehtab's strategic approach ensures her clients are well-positioned to manage risks and capitalise on opportunities, whether drafting international trade contracts or managing cross-border proceedings. She is also regularly appointed as an arbitrator.
Clients value her proactive approach and her commitment to aligning legal strategies with their business objectives.
SAR34.5m Cargo Dispute – Montreal Convention
Advised the world’s largest VLCC and chemical tanker operator and a major freight forwarding company in a SAR34.5 million dispute with a leading pharmaceutical firm over the transport of medical-grade aesthetic filler. This case raises a pivotal legal issue regarding the application of the Montreal Convention to cargo claims in Saudi Arabia.
Ship Management Disputes – Saudi Arabia & Cyprus
Instructed by the Saudi Arabia and Cyprus offices of a ship management business to represent them in eight disputes against a Saudi-based marine services provider. The disputes arise from eight separate contracts for ship management services and a joint venture.
US$28m Charterparty Dispute – OFAC Sanctions
Represented the UAE’s leading logistics and marine services provider, in a major dispute arising from a charterparty agreement impacted by the temporary suspension and subsequent re-imposition of Venezuelan sanctions by OFAC. Following the charterparty’s termination, our client faced losses of US$28 million and initiated LMAA arbitration proceedings to recover damages. Mehtab safeguarded their position and ultimately achieved a successful settlement, including a payment to her client.
US$172m Vessel Sale & Purchase Dispute
Represented a specialist vessel owner operating company in a dispute involving four sale and purchase contracts with a total claimed loss value of US$172 million.
Saudi Port Terminal Development
Drafted the heads of terms, a lease agreement and a concession agreement for the owner and developer of a leading port terminal in Saudi Arabia. This is in relation to the development of a new port terminal for a leading logistics and freight forwarding company which will specialise in Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessels. The Agreements are essential to establish clear terms for land use, operational responsibilities, revenue sharing and risk management. The development is strategically important for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enhancing its logistics infrastructure and contributing to the diversification of the economy.
Bunker Traders & Terminal Operators – T&Cs
Drafted comprehensive general terms and conditions for bunker traders, as well as general terms of service for leading terminal operators in relation to the provision of terminal services.
Tourist Marina Regulations – Red Sea
Drafted comprehensive rules and implementing regulations for a tourist marina in the Red Sea. Her role involved extensive research and benchmarking to ensure adherence to global standards, leading to the creation of 12 regulations covering key areas such as marine tour operator oversight, cruise ship operations, large yacht charters, marina design and management, private yacht protocols, maritime tourism agent guidelines, and watercraft classification.
China Trade Contract for UAE Freight Forwarder
China Trade Contract fof UAE Freight Forwarder
Freight Forwarding Terms & B/L Drafting
Instructed by a well-known UAE-based freight forwarder to draft, review and amend their standard terms and conditions for freight forwarding that governs the relationship between our clients’ entities and their counterparties as well drafting as a house and NVOCC bill of lading.
Charterparties, COAs & Port Regulations
Advised on, reviewed and drafted all types of charterparties and COAs and terms of use and port regulations for shipowners, charterers, traders and port/terminal operators.
