Maritime Law & Regulations News

An average of 10 commodity ships transited the Strait of Hormuz per day over the past 10 days, the lowest since May, according to shipping data on Monday, after U.S. and Iranian strikes on tankers.The 10-day moving average was 10 on Sunday, down from more than 15 on Friday and nearly 13 on Saturday, data from analytics firm Kpler found.Only two vessels passed through the strait on Saturday while six went through on Sunday, mostly using the Iranian route.U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers on Saturday, U.S.

Overseas Shipholding Group, OSG Ship Management (OSG) and their affiliate Alaska Tanker Company (ATC) are appealing recent separate decisions of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) relating to charges filed by the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, AFL-CIO (MM&P). The cases relate to recognition of separate bargaining units for the ATC and OSG fleets, which units include chief mates and second and third mates, but exclude captains. OSG and ATC say they respect the collective bargaining and representation processes established under federal labor law.

On September 1, Brittany Ferries stopped transporting live farm animals including unweaned calves.The move marks another milestone in a campaign by NGOs to end long-distance live transport and ensure animal welfare legislation is effectively enforced. It has been led by a partnership of animal welfare protection groups including: Ethical Farming Ireland, Compassion in World Farming, Eurogroup for Animals, Eyes on Animals, FOUR PAWS, L214, Southampton Animal Action and Welfarm.The…

More than four in five crew deaths reported to Britannia P&I Club were caused by illness rather than accidents, according to a new analysis of nearly 3,000 crew-related claims, prompting renewed calls for greater focus on preventative health, cardiovascular wellbeing and mental health support across the maritime industry.The Club's new Crew Claims Report, developed in collaboration with maritime medical specialist Dr Katherine Sinclaire of MedSea, found that 81% of all crew fatalities were illness-related, while only 19% resulted from injury.

Marlink, a leader in managed services for business-critical digital solutions, has launched a new OT Security offering for maritime and land-based industries. Combining professional services and OT-native technology solutions, the offering helps organizations protect the safety, continuity and resilience of operational technology. OT controls physical processes across industries including: vessel navigation, propulsion and cargo handling at sea; energy production, water treatment and industrial automation on land…

The following article is an op-ed piece from Andrei Barotov and Kristiina Peterson, Chief Specialists of Maritime Competitiveness at the Estonian Transport AdministrationLeveraging its ‘e-Estonia’ digital society initiative, the government of Estonia is preparing to extend the digital reach of EST Flag ship registration services, while also expanding its tonnage eligibility. Andrei Barotov and Kristiina Peterson, Chief Specialists of Maritime Competitiveness at the Estonian Transport Administration…

The number of piracy-related incidents off Somalia is at its highest level in 10 years. The trend points to renewed activity in the area after several years with relatively few incidents.Danish Shipping has just published an analysis based on figures from the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), showing a significant increase in the number of attacks carried out by Somali pirates.The IMB recorded eight incidents off Somalia in 2024 and five incidents in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, 13 incidents have already been recorded.

Diana Shipping has announced, that following nine months of what it called “avoiding engagement,” Genco Board has demanded consideration valued at approximately $36.91 per share — a 57% premium to Genco’s undisturbed share price at the time of Diana’s last offer.“Genco’s demands are completely disconnected from the reality of what a credible buyer could reasonably be expected to pay,” said the company in a statement, announcing the withdrawal of its offer to acquire outstanding…

Diana Shipping has announced, that following nine months of what it called “avoiding engagement,” Genco Board has demanded consideration valued at approximately $36.91 per share — a 57% premium to Genco’s undisturbed share price at the time of Diana’s last offer.“Genco’s demands are completely disconnected from the reality of what a credible buyer could reasonably be expected to pay,” said the company in a statement, announcing the withdrawal of its offer to acquire outstanding shares.Diana Shipping is a global shipping company specializing in the ownership and bareboat charter-in of dry bulk vessels that is the largest shareholder of Genco Shipping & Trading Limited.“Diana continues to have significant conviction in the strategic and financial merits of a combination with Genco…

At first light on Ecuador's Pacific coast, small fishing boats fan out from the villages of San Mateo and Jaramijo, their bows pointed toward deeper waters and the promise of a good catch. Other boats come in from the rolling surf to battered coves, where crews unload baskets of tuna and swordfish and traders rush to inspect the day's haul.The scene belies the dangers some fishermen face pushing out into these waters. Onshore, drug cartels have turned the small ports of Ecuador's Manabi province into a cocaine-trafficking hub…

SAAM has presented its new Biodiversity Plan, updating the company’s Environmental Policy. This move formally integrates the conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem services into its operating model and strengthens the management of critical areas near its towage operations.The process of developing this program identified issues relevant to operations—including underwater noise, emissions, biofouling and proximity to protected areas—and linked them to specific measures…

The UK P&I Club has announced the appointment of Ms. Jeong-Sook Kim as Senior Underwriting Director, with initial responsibility for the Korean market. Based in the Club's London office, she will work closely with William Beveridge, Chief Underwriting Officer, and the wider Asia-Pacific leadership team. In her role, she will help shape and deliver the Club’s underwriting strategy while strengthening its presence, reputation and Membership base in the Korean market.An Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a qualified lawyer…

Saipem and Subsea7 have cleared a key U.S. regulatory hurdle for their planned merger after the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 expired, allowing the transaction to close in the United States once all remaining conditions are met.The companies said all applicable waiting periods under the U.S. antitrust law have expired, while noting that the proposed merger remains subject to certain regulatory approvals outside the United States.The merger was agreed under a binding agreement signed in July 2025…

As lithium-ion batteries continue to make their way into the marine space whether through vessel systems, transported electric vehicles, or everyday devices onboard we are starting to see a different type of fire loss than most of us have traditionally dealt with.These events are not necessarily more frequent, but when they occur, they tend to be severe. In many cases, they result in prolonged fires or even total loss of a vessel or cargo. That aligns with broader industry findings that fires remain one of the costliest drivers of marine insurance losses…