On 8 May 2018, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”). In conjunction with that announcement, the President issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (“NSPM”) directing the re-imposition of certain secondary sanctions, being those that apply to non-US persons even where there is no US nexus. Depending on the economic sector targeted, the particular sanction will be imposed either 90 or 180 days after the President’s announcement (6 August and 5 November, respectively).
Continue Reading Iran Sanctions – August Deadline

Alexander Brandt
Recoverability of Operating Expenses under Rule F of the York-Antwerp Rules 1974
On 25 October 2017, the English Supreme Court handed down judgment in Mitsui & Co Ltd and Others v Beteiligungsgesellschaft LPG Tankerflotte MBH & Co KG and Another (The “Longchamp”). The case provided the Supreme Court a rare opportunity to consider and interpret the York Antwerp Rules 1974 (in particular Rule F), which are…
Project MARTHA, crew fatigue and the implications for a vessel’s “seaworthiness”
In January of this year the findings of “Project MARTHA”, a three year study into the causes and effects of crew fatigue, were released – along with proposals as to how best to mitigate against the risks posed by crew fatigue. The study was conducted by a number of eminent academic institutions with extensive input from the shipping community.
The report serves as a timely reminder of the dangers associated with fatigue to those serving on board vessels, as well as those who own and operate them.
Continue Reading Project MARTHA, crew fatigue and the implications for a vessel’s “seaworthiness”