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Our expertise is based on more than 50 years of experience in supporting companies in the shipping and maritime industries. More than almost any other sector, the shipping and maritime industries are confronted with constantly changing national and international regulations. In interdisciplinary teams and the help of our global network, our team of experts will support you in the areas of auditing, tax consulting and legal advice.
„Regulatory compliance, sustainability and environmental management, digitalization and financing result in opportunities and risks. We are your perfect partner in this rapidly changing global environment.“ Michael Esser Partner, German CPA, Tax Advisor
„Regulatory compliance, sustainability and environmental management, digitalization and financing result in opportunities and risks. We are your perfect partner in this rapidly changing global environment.“
Michael Esser Partner, German CPA, Tax Advisor
We develop tailor-made solutions for your needs in areas such as start-ups, restructuring of the corporate or financing structure or corporate transactions.
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Our wide-ranging expertise ensures that your company is optimally positioned from a legal and tax perspective.
From auditing and restructuring to reporting on sustainability issues, we offer tailor-made solutions that meet the industry’s current and future challenges. Our expertise covers financial, legal and operational areas to ensure comprehensive advice and auditing.
With our interdisciplinary expertise and many years of experience, we are your reliable partner, providing you with comprehensive support in all areas from auditing to strategic consulting.
Whether for corporate structuring, the formation of joint ventures, transactions or in relation to income tax, VAT or insurance tax – we offer tailor-made solutions from the formation to the liquidation or sale of the seagoing vessel. We pay particular attention to tonnage tax, which allows a company’s profits to be taxed at a flat rate based on the tonnage of the ship (Art. 5a of the German Income Tax Act (EStG)).
Michael Esser
Partner
German CPA, Certified Tax Advisor
Christian Hensell
Attorney-at-Law (Rechtsanwalt), Certified Tax Advisor, Specialist lawyer for Tax Law
Thorsten Lorenzen
Oliver Pegelow
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The shipping industry is facing major challenges in the area of greenhouse gas reduction. The 2018 strategy of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) aims to reduce emissions by 50 % by 2050. In addition to technological innovations and alternative fuels, a global price for shipping emissions is also currently being discussed.
At the most recent IMO negotiations, 39 states advocated a global levy on greenhouse gas emissions and stricter fuel standards. These measures are to be implemented by 2025 and will force the shipping industry to become more sustainable. Companies will have to adapt to technological changes and comply with new emission standards.
Cyber security regulations, which have been in force since 2021, have not yet been implemented comprehensively throughout the entire industry. Many companies are still working on strengthening their IT systems and integrating security protocols to meet the increased requirements. As digitalization in the shipping industry intensifies, this topic is becoming increasingly important, but implementation is still lagging behind in many places.
Although this Convention was adopted in 2009, it has not yet been ratified in all countries and full implementation in practice is still lacking in many areas. Companies still need to take further steps to ensure that ships are recycled in an environmentally friendly and safe manner, also in order to avoid potential liability and criminal liability risks for management.
While many shipping companies have taken the first steps towards compliance with ESG (environmental, social and governance) criteria, the comprehensive integration of ESG into corporate strategy and reporting is not yet complete. Companies are under increasing pressure from investors and regulators to improve transparency and sustainability.
The Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) sets standards for the working and living conditions of seafarers, while the STCW standard for training, certification and watchkeeping ensures that crew members receive the necessary qualifications and training. Other regulations cover safety requirements that include training in emergency management and fire safety, as well as national laws that provide specific requirements for the employment of seafarers. These regulations are crucial for the protection of crew and the overall safety of shipping.
"Companies in the shipping industry need to take action in order to meet the regulatory crewing requirements. Compliance with standards such as the MLC and STCW is crucial for crew safety and contributes to long-term efficiency and competitiveness."Christian HensellPartner, Attorney-at-Law, Tax Advisor
"Companies in the shipping industry need to take action in order to meet the regulatory crewing requirements. Compliance with standards such as the MLC and STCW is crucial for crew safety and contributes to long-term efficiency and competitiveness."
Christian HensellPartner, Attorney-at-Law, Tax Advisor
Companies in the transport and logistics industry are under increasing pressure to reduce their CO₂ emissions, not only in order to counteract the rising costs of emission certificates, but also to meet international climate targets. In this context, European emissions trading and the associated obligations play a particularly significant role. It is becoming increasingly important for companies to control their emissions in order to remain economically competitive and avoid penalties for non-compliance.
With the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) to include maritime transport from 2024, shipping companies will also have to purchase emissions certificates for every ton of CO₂ they emit. This represents a significant change for the maritime industry and forces companies to better monitor and control their emissions. Emissions certificate trading also allows for surplus certificates to be sold if emissions are below the prescribed limits, which can create additional sources of income.
For companies in the logistics and transportation sector, this offers the opportunity to both save costs and benefit from emissions trading by using low-emission technologies such as electric and hydrogen vehicles.
Minimize the risks in your supply chain and work with us to shape your sustainable and digital transformation.
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