Fabiana Martins

Fabiana is a founding partner of SMA. She works regularly in disputes of C/P and casualties.

Fabiana advises shipowners and shipping agencies in their duties and liability limits. She assists foreign companies in the effectiveness of arbitration awards in Brazil and shipowners, through their respective Protection Clubs in disputes involving accidents, oil pollution damage and cargo claims and also shipping companies and NVOCCs in administrative defences against environmental authorities, regulatory agencies and the IRS. Fabiana is registered with the Brazilian Bar Association in Portugal, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, acting both in litigation and in consultancy.

Fabiana has a Law degree from the Federal University of Espírito Santo – UFES and Master´s degree in International Law and Economic Integration from the State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ. In 2010 she attended the 37th Maritime Law Course at the University of Southampton.

She was Vice-President for Brazil of the Iberoamerican Institute of Maritime Law – IIDM for 2014/2016. In 2016 she was the founding President of Women´s International Shipping & Trade Association Brazil (Wista Brasil) and is currently a Board Director Member of WISTA International.

Working in the shipping area since 1997, she is ranked as a leading lawyer in several lists.

Languages:

Portuguese, English and Spanish.

Honour & Awards:

Co-head of department Fabiana Simões Martins is an established practitioner who represents major players in the shipping sector in disputes involving accidents, environmental damages and cargo claims, as well as in administrative procedures before regulatory agencies. She is well regarded by sources in the maritime field. One client comments that "her attention to detail is phenomenal." (Chambers & Partners Brazil 2022)

Fabiana Simões Martins continues to show a vast amount of experience handling disputes involving ship owners, cargo claims and accidents, with one market commentator saying: "She is a very experienced lawyer who has been in the industry for a long time." One client further comments that "she keeps up to date with everything," while another adds: "She is very proactive and knowledgeable." (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2021).

Co-head of department Fabiana Simões Martins remains active assisting prominent ship owners and P&I clubs with litigation and arbitration cases arising from shipping accidents and cargo claims. One interviewee notes that "she is very well organised and considers cases thoroughly," while a client reports: "I feel very comfortable talking to her because she fully understands my needs and is able to see things from my point of view." ” (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2020).

“Market sources add that “she has an incredible work ethic”, and “always meets the agreed deadlines.” (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2018)

“Fabiana Simões Martins regularly represents clients in shipping disputes and collisions. Interviewees describe her as “very capable” practioner in this field” (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2017).

“Fabiana Simões Martins is highlighted for her “adept handling of complex cases” (Who´s Who Legal Latin America 2016).

“Partner Fabiana Simões Martins has a solid market reputation for her shipping law expertise. She has an active practice and assists clients with chartering matters and sector disputes.” (Chambers & Partners Latin America 2016).

“Fabiana Simões Martins is highly rated for litigation” (Legal 500, 2016).