The transport practice at Ellex can be distinguished by its expertise in a wide variety of dry shipping matters, but also by its ability to advise clients on aviation, shipping, railway and road transport matters. Martin Käerdi is an important contact for the acquisition and registration of vessels. The practice is led by Toomas Vaher, who is an expert in contentious shipping matters such as representing shipping companies in shareholder and bankruptcy disputes. Founding partner Jüri Raidla is a name to note for complex transport projects with an infrastructure angle.

Sorainen‘s transport and logistics workload often features cross-border mandates, such as advising on the pan-Baltic Rail Baltica railway project, or handling matters for international automotive companies such as Toyota. Practitioners adopt a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with the firm’s corporate, regulatory, dispute resolution or commercial teams on a regular basis. The group works on a range of dry shipping matters for those who own, charter or buy vessels. Practice head Kaupo Lepasepp has a strong background in railway sector and port operations, while Cathriin Torop is particularly adept at maritime matters, but also assists automotive, aviation and railway clients. Experienced litigator Carri Ginter has prowess in advising on shipping and port operations.

TGS Baltic, which merged with PwC Legal in 2024, continues to be praised for its ‘comprehensive knowledge of the maritime law and practice in Estonia‘, including criminal disputes relating to maritime law, on top of its aviation law expertise. Martti Peetsalu heads up the group and is key for matters in the maritime sector, building upon his experience as in-house counsel for the Port of Tallinn. Triin Kaurov is a well versed in regulatory matters in the transport space, permit licensing requirements and enforcement issues.

The shipping and transport practice at Eversheds Sutherland Ots & Co provides clients across multiple jurisdictions with expertise in international maritime law. Group leader Toomas Pikamäe‘s knowledge of environmental law lends itself to the group’s work for waste management entities and work involving waste shipment. In relation to aviation, the wider group counts the International Air Transport Association as well as other administrative bodies as significant clients, and the group also often assists shipping and maritime services companies with employment-related matters.

Passenger claims against airlines are an area in which RASK Attorneys-at-Law is prominent, and the group is instructed by the majority of Estonia’s airlines, as well as advising aircraft operators and a range of financing companies on licensing and financing matters. Practice head Timo Kullerkupp is known for advising clients on the purchase and leasing of aircraft. Kai Villemson has a great deal of experience in aviation transactions and licensing.

Triniti has a strong track record of assisting national airlines, railway companies, shipping firms and transport asset management companies. Tõnis Tamme, who is a transactional expert often engaged in assisting airlines with acquisitions, jointly leads the group with Ain Kalme. Ergo Blumfeldt, who has a history of advising on financings in the aviation industry, is another key contact in the group.

The transport team at WALLESS has expanded since its merger with FORT in February 2024, with the notable addition of Kuldar-Jaan Torokoff, who leads the team alongside Karl-Erich Trisberg. Trisberg is a strong litigator who also leads the firm’s disputes practice, and is therefore often involved in contract disputes in the transport sector. The wider group is also able to advise transport companies on shareholder issues, fundraising and other finance matters.

Magnusson is often called upon by foreign law firms to assist clients with aviation finance and other transactions in the Nordic and Baltic region. Marek Keiman heads up the group, which often represents transport clients looking to enter the Baltic market, including recently advising a large German intercity bus transport company. Kaidar Sultson is a key name for complex transport disputes.