Yachting Legal & Auction
Public Authorities
Intervention Framework
We intervene alongside public authorities when maritime assets are seized or placed under judicial control in criminal, customs, judicial or sanction contexts.
These situations involve high constraints: operational urgency, plurality of actors, security issues, international compliance, preservation of value and risk management.
Our role is to structure and secure the management of these assets, from the seizure phase to their transfer or return, in strict compliance with the applicable legal framework.
The intervention is conducted in close coordination with the competent authorities (including AGRASC, PNACO, Customs, investigating magistrates and courts), without commercial intermediation and with a reinforced requirement of discretion.
Asset Typology
We intervene on seized or confiscated vessels, notably falling within the following categories:
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private or commercial pleasure yachts,
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passenger or expedition vessels,
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sailing yachts, high-speed craft and specialized units,
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vessels flying French or foreign flags.
The assets may be located in France or abroad, requiring repatriation, securing or preservation operations compatible with their legal status, flag and classification.
We notably organize and oversee:
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the constitution and management of the crew,
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social, administrative and payroll monitoring,
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maintenance, upkeep and preservation of the vessel,
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cost assessment and monitoring, with the possibility of advancing funds depending on the applicable framework.
Preparation of the Sale
When the disposal of the asset is contemplated, we prepare the vessel in a legally and technically defensible manner in order to ensure the regularity and effectiveness of the transaction. This phase notably includes:
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a comprehensive audit (technical, administrative and inventory),
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coordination with the flag state, classification society and competent authorities,
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the preparation of a structured documentation package,
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the determination of the most appropriate disposal method (public auction or controlled tender process),
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the organization of inspections and valuations within a strictly controlled framework.
The objective is to restore clarity, attract qualified buyers and secure the entire sale process.
Post-Sale
Transfer or Restitution
We support the authorities through to the final exit of the asset, whether by disposal, transfer of ownership or restitution. This phase notably includes:
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the legal and administrative securing of the transfer,
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coordination with port, customs and flag state authorities,
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management of the vessel’s operational handover,
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documentary and financial closing of the file.
Each asset exit is treated as a legally binding act, required to be fully enforceable, traceable and compliant with the applicable judicial decisions.
Key Considerations
The management of a seized vessel cannot be equated with simple administrative immobilization. Without specific expertise and anticipation, the risks are significant:
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rapid loss of economic value,
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environmental and safety risks,
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irreversible degradation of classification and insurability,
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substantial additional costs for public finances,
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subsequent disputes arising from rushed or poorly structured disposals.
A proactive, continuous and well-documented management approach is essential to preserve the asset and ensure a legally and economically controlled outcome.