Sushil Gaikwad

Solicitor, BSc, LLB, Consultant

Sushil Gaikwad is a dual qualified lawyer (India and UK) advising clients across the maritime sector on the full lifecycle of asset acquisition and disposition. He develops pragmatic strategies to enhance the purchase and sale of maritime assets, aligning legal structuring with commercial objectives and risk tolerance in cross border transactions.

Sushil’s practice focuses on maritime asset management strategies that optimise value, reduce execution risk, and accelerate deal timelines. He advises on transaction planning, due diligence, contract structuring, security and collateral arrangements, and post completion integration, with particular emphasis on transactions involving complex financing, fleet renewals, and distressed or time sensitive disposals. He routinely coordinates multijurisdictional workstreams and ensures that counterparties, financiers, and insurers are aligned to deliver efficient closings.

With a strong grounding in international trade and finance, Sushil navigates the intersecting demands of shipping markets, sanctions regimes, and funding structures. He provides clear guidance on risk allocation, documentation, and compliance frameworks, enabling clients to execute cross border deals with confidence. His advice covers vessel sale and purchase, charterparty considerations relevant to asset value, novation and assignments, and the interface between operational obligations and financing covenants.

Core Competencies: Maritime Asset Management; Expert Consulting; Sanctions Compliance.
In his expert consulting work, Sushil delivers tailored advice on multijurisdictional regulatory requirements, including flag, ownership and control, export controls, and cargo and trade compliance. He assists clients in designing governance and monitoring frameworks that are proportionate, auditable, and responsive to evolving regulatory expectations. He also advises on international maritime law compliance, including issues arising under conventions, port state control regimes, and environmental and safety standards, and how these impact asset value, operational flexibility, and deal feasibility.

Sushil supports clients ranging from shipowners and operators to lenders, lessors, and investors. He brings a collaborative approach to stakeholder engagement and is known for providing practical, commercially grounded solutions that protect value and support strategic growth in dynamic market conditions.