The U.S. and the UK moved quickly to prohibit the import of Russian LNG into their territories, but did not pass sanctions against the transportation of Russian LNG to other territories. Similarly, while the U.S. placed asset freeze sanctions on new Russian LNG projects such as the Arctic LNG 2 project, existing LNG infrastructure in Russia was not designated.
Continue Reading LNG sanctions on Russia – A fluid landscape
Recovering rockets at sea: the intersection of space law and maritime law
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
Big waves: global autonomous ships market on the rise
International shipping has the potential to undergo an evolution with developments in autonomy—these developments present opportunities to both increase safety and reduce risk to vessel operations. Zulu Associates, a Belgian company which describes itself as an innovator in marine logistics and focusses on smaller vessels, expects to put small autonomous container ships into the English Channel or Southern North Sea by 2026. In an interview with TradeWinds, the CEO of Zulu Associates, Antoon Van Coillie, indicated that shipping insurance markets are cognizant of autonomous systems and ships. He asserted that financing would not be an unsurmountable barrier, since financial institutions are especially interested in vessel sustainability.
In 2021, the global autonomous ships market had a revenue share of over 89 million USD, and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.81% through 20311.Continue Reading Big waves: global autonomous ships market on the rise
Insights from Reed Smith’s London International Shipping Week event: Managing your supply chain risk
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
Singapore Court of Appeal clarifies the proper interpretation of Rule 9(a) of the Collision Regulations
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
The reform of the UK Tonnage Tax regime and its implications
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
Transparency in shipping supply chains
Supply chain transparency is an essential process where companies investigate their own supply chains to ensure compliance with internal company procedures and relevant laws.
Continue Reading Transparency in shipping supply chains
During ocean-going vessel inspections, California is to increase fuel sample analysis
Beginning in May 2021, California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) enforcement staff will begin additional analysis of fuel samples taken during ocean-going vessel inspections. CARB is seeking to improve compliance due to changing international regulatory sulfur limits, which has created situations where a vessel’s fuel may meet international and California regulatory sulfur limits, but not meet
Upcoming public hearing scheduled for late August – California proposes revisions to regulation of air emissions from “Ships at Berth.”
The California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) has again proposed revisions to the State’s existing “Ocean-Going Vessels At-Berth Regulation” of air emissions from ships docked in California. As revised, further reductions in air emissions will be required, but some of the earlier implementation dates have been extended.
Most substantive changes were made in response
“A Weight on Your Shoulders” – New Weighing Obligations Upon Shippers and Carriers From 1 July 2016
On 1 July 2016 the International Maritime Organisation’s amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea (“SOLAS”) Convention Chapter VI enter into force. From this date, all packed containers must be accompanied by Verified Gross Weight documentation prepared by shippers (normally in the form of a certificate). There will be regulatory consequences for the shipper