LEGAL OPINION – Ship Agent

The shipping agent is an independent practitioner rendering services related to the maritime adventure in a specific geographic area. To that effect, the agent maintains an office with a staff of the agent’s choice.

Travel agents who issue tickets for sea voyages on behalf of shipowners operating the trip are also considered to be ship agents in connection to this activity. The relation of the shipping agent to the shipowners is that of representation. This can be direct, ie the agent acts in the name of the shipowner or indirect, ie the agent acts in his own name but on behalf of the represented shipowner.

The agency agreement is not fully regulated under Greek law. Mandate provisions apply analogically.

Supreme Court Judgment no 159/2018, Presiding: V. Peppas, Rapporteur Judge: A. Tzavara, Attorneys at law: G. Dougias, Chr. Dallas, Maritime Law Review vol. 46, p.13.

NOTE: The agent employs staff to carry out its services. Such staff actions bind the agent and the results of their actions are judged as being the agent’s actions.