Maritime & Yacht Law

Your safe harbour for all matters of maritime law in Portugal

Valadas Coriel & Associados (VCA) provides specialised legal support across the maritime sector — from the acquisition, registration, and operation of yachts and vessels to complex maritime litigation.

With a multidisciplinary team and an agile, international approach, we assist shipowners, investors, charter operators, shipyards, and maritime agents in navigating regulatory, contractual, tax, and operational challenges. Whether advising on transactions, structuring operations, or resolving disputes, we offer turnkey solutions that ensure technical accuracy, operational efficiency, and full compliance with legal requirements in both national and cross-border contexts.

Key Services

Yacht Acquisition and Construction
Legal support throughout negotiations with shipyards and during the construction and purchase of yachts and vessels. We assist in drafting and reviewing construction and purchase agreements, ensuring our clients’ interests are safeguarded at every stage of the project.

Ship and Yacht Registration
Proven track record in registering yachts and vessels under the key flag Madeira International Shipping Register (MAR). We provide specialist yacht registration services tailored to our clients’ needs.

Crew Employment and Compliance
Drafting of employment agreements in line with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), ensuring full compliance with international maritime labour standards. We also advise on crew visas, manning contracts, and compliance with local and international requirements.

Maritime Taxation
Tax planning and advice on VAT, customs, and social security matters for maritime operations, helping clients optimise operations and minimise risk. We assist in identifying applicable tax liabilities and available tax relief, particularly for yacht ownership and operation.

Commercial Operations in European Waters
Legal structuring and regulatory compliance for chartering and other commercial activities in EU waters, including licensing, regulatory compliance, and operational planning for both yachts and commercial vessels.

Flag Transfers
Full legal support for flag transfer procedures, ensuring smooth, secure, and seamless transitions.

Maritime Finance and Security
Structuring of maritime finance deals and ship mortgages. We also advise on brokerage arrangements.

Maritime Litigation and Disputes
Representation in contractual and commercial disputes, ship arrests, enforcement of maritime claims, and maritime court litigation in both national and international forums.

Specialist Yacht Law Services
Comprehensive transactional support for yacht construction, refit, sale and purchase, charter agreements, escrow, VAT optimisation, brokerage and management, and negotiating refit and repair work contracts.