About Benjamin Schupp

Focusing on maritime and admiralty law, Benjamin “Ben” O. Schupp advises clients on matters stemming from vessel charters, marine financing, marine construction, maritime liens, and dock and terminal issues. Ben represents financial institutions and international marine asset owners in financing the purchase, construction, or servicing of vessels, oil rigs, and other offshore oil or gas production facilities. In this capacity, he drafts numerous construction contracts, sale agreements, charters, ship mortgages, and loan and registration documentation.

Because Ben handles vessel registrations throughout the world and his clients possess assets in various jurisdictions around the globe, his practice is truly an international one.

Clients rely on Ben’s substantial experience in MARAD Title XI financing and financing through the Export-Import Bank of the United States and through banking and private equity channels. He is able to guide clients through complex regulatory requirements to overcome obstacles and get things done.

On the litigation side, recent matters tend to revolve around collection actions, and Ben particularly enjoys handling disputes relating to maritime liens and charters. He has represented U.S. and international underwriters, brokers, and businesses in maritime, energy, casualty, and commercial litigation in both state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. He has also served as lead litigator for vessel and rig owners in maritime and oil and gas disputes, including several cases leading to important decisions in these fields by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Louisiana Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. These cases always bring out his competitive nature, and he relishes the chance to do battle on behalf of his clients.

The finance aspect of his work usually involves putting a deal together to help clients make money, employ people, and bring energy to the world, and Ben takes pride in lending his guidance to these positive collaborations.