The recent case of Bunge S.A. v. Pan Ocean Co., Ltd. [2025] EWHC 193 (the “Sagar Ratan”) sheds helpful light on the interpretation of the BIMCO Infectious or Contagious Diseases Clause for Time Charter Parties 2015 (“BIMCO Clause”) and in particular, the definition of an “Affected Area”.Continue Reading “SAGAR RATAN”: Useful guidance on the BIMCO Infectious Diseases Clause
This article provides an overview of the legal issues related to the maritime recovery of reusable rockets, which is an emerging practice in the commercial space industry. It summarizes the current state of the space economy, the sources of space law in the U.S., and the regulations affecting the waters and the vessels involved in the recovery operations.Continue Reading Recovering rockets at sea: the intersection of space law and maritime law
The Jones Act is a challenge for the LNG industry in the United States. The Jones Act requires that all vessels used to transport merchandise between points in the United States satisfy certain requirements: to be Jones Act compliant, vessels must be U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, U.S.-flagged, U.S.-operated and U.S.-crewed, subject to certain limited exceptions.
No Jones
Threatened with abrogation by numerous amendments submitted by opposition MPs during the examination of the Finance Bill for 2024, the French tonnage tax regime has finally been saved. Indeed, the Government decided to rely on its power under Paragraph 3 of Article 49 of the Constitution, to force through the contested bill without a vote and without any of the contemplated amendments.Continue Reading French Tonnage Tax regime saved by Government’s 49.3 move in Parliament
Navigating the turbulent waters of the global supply chain from geopolitical uncertainty, to evolving sanctions, and the adoption of decarbonisation: Insights from Reed Smith’s London International Shipping Week event.
Continue Reading Insights from Reed Smith’s London International Shipping Week event: Managing your supply chain risk
the Singapore Court of Appeal has clarified the International Regulations for Preventing Collision at Sea (1972) requiring a vessel proceeding in a narrow channel to keep as near to the outer limit which lies on her starboard side as is safe and practicable, not merely to keep to the “lane”.
Continue Reading Singapore Court of Appeal clarifies the proper interpretation of Rule 9(a) of the Collision Regulations
This article was first published in Naftemporiki.
The New Code of Private Maritime Law enacted by Law 5020/2023 (the “New Code”), which came into force on 1 May 2023 (with the exception of Articles 4 to 9 concerning the digitisation of the ship registry, which will be in force from 1 November 2023), is an important step towards the modernisation of Greek Maritime Law. The New Code, which replaced the previous Code (Law 3816/1958), seeks to simplify the legal framework for the operation and financing of Greek vessels and align Greek maritime law with international practices. Below is a summary of some of the most important amendments introduced by the New Code and the impact they are expected to have on Greek shipping.Continue Reading New Code of Private Maritime Law – Maritime law in the 21st century
The UK government has published the “Tonnage Tax (Further Opportunity for Election) Order 2023” which will implement three significant changes and will come into force on 1 June 2023.
Continue Reading The reform of the UK Tonnage Tax regime and its implications
BBNJ President Rena Lee proposed yesterday that the Intergovernmental Conference reconvene on June 19, 2023 to adopt the BBNJ treaty. When and how can the treaty then create binding obligations for private companies operating in the high seas?
Continue Reading How the new “BBNJ” or “high seas” treaty may soon result in new obligations for the private sector
The BBNJ agreement, or ‘High Seas Treaty,’ was reached by delegates of the Intergovernmental Conference and is the culmination of talks that have spanned two decades. This historic milestone was met with tears and a standing ovation from delegates.
Continue Reading New United Nations treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)