A contract is signed on land for goods transported entirely by sea — does maritime law apply?

Scenario: A contract for the sale of goods is signed on land between two parties based in the same country. The goods are to be transported entirely by sea to a destination abroad. A dispute arises over damage to the goods during transit.

Question: Does maritime law apply to this dispute, and why might it matter? What factors would determine whether the claim falls under admiralty jurisdiction rather than ordinary contract law? Would your analysis change if the damage occurred during loading rather than during the voyage?