Law Firm ILN-telligence Podcast | Episode 81: Geraldine Spiteri and John Navarro, Acumum Legal & Advisory | Malta
Bill on Bankruptcy: Supreme Court Cases Will Have Wide Impact
Earlier this week, two U.S. congressmen released proposed language for a bill—the Justice for Victims of Foreign Vessel Accidents Act—that was first announced via press release in August 2024. The proposed law would raise the...more
Brazil’s National Agency of Waterway Transportation (“ANTAQ”) will hold a Public Consultation and Hearing from September 9 to October 23, 2024 (Notice of Public Hearing No. 11/2024). The aim is to receive feedback on a draft...more
The Federal Maritime Commission (the “FMC”) issued its Final Rule on July 22, 2024, establishing its approach to determining what constitutes an unreasonable refusal to deal or negotiate cargo space and vessel space...more
In light of the constant updates in the maritime sector, our Ports and Maritime team is launching this Bulletin. Here we cover the main legislative events, developments in Brazil’s National Agency of Waterway Transportation...more
Over one million shipments of hazardous materials reportedly travel in U.S. commerce every single day. A common misunderstanding is the nature of hazardous materials—they are more commonplace than you think!...more
Yet again the ocean freight bid season is unfolding against a backdrop of uncertainty. The 2024 season brings a confluence of economic, geopolitical, trade, and industry-related issues that have created a complex environment...more
On June 18, 2024, Brazil’s National Agency of Waterway Transportation (“ANTAQ”) and Ministry of Ports and Airports (“MPor”) launched the "Navegue Simples" Program, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, innovate, and simplify port...more
Since mid-November 2023, the international shipping route through the Red Sea has been dramatically disrupted due to frequent attacks on vessels by Yemen’s Houthi movement. As the shipping lanes have developed into a conflict...more
On February 26, 2024, the FMC issued its final rule on detention and demurrage billing requirements. On February 27, 2024, our team outlined the practical impact that the Final Rule will have in the article: “A Whole New...more
What is it and what does it do? The Maritime Security Program (the “MSP”) is a U.S. government program under which a fleet of commercially viable, militarily useful merchant ships active in international trade, are readily...more
Our team has prepared a summary on the main business opportunities in Brazilian ports. Below are the main opportunities that have been announced, are preparing to take effect, or are currently in progress....more
The 81st meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (“MEPC”) of the International Maritime Organization (“IMO”) was held from March 18 to 22. Among the issues discussed were some legal inconsistencies between the...more
In the wake of the tragic incident involving the collision of The Dali container ship with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, which led to the bridge's collapse, there are numerous concerns and questions...more
Courts have clearly established that a shipper cannot prevail in a freight claim against a carrier if an “Act of God” caused the freight loss or damage. The Act of God defense is an original, and one of the most...more
Following its Feb. 23, 2024, release of a pre-publication draft, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC)'s Final Rule on Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements (Final Rule) was published on Feb. 26, 2024, in the Federal...more
On March 14, 2024, the National Agency of Waterway Transportation (Agência Nacional de Transportes Aquaviários, “ANTAQ”) held Public Hearing No. 02/2024-ANTAQ. The aim of the hearing was to obtain feedback and suggestions to...more
The Baltic and International Maritime Council ("BIMCO"), in conjunction with Bangladesh, India, Norway, Pakistan and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), submitted a document to the International Maritime Organization...more
The Hong Kong Convention, adopted at a 2009 diplomatic conference in Hong Kong, will enter into force on June 26, 2025. It was developed with the contribution of IMO Member States and non-governmental organizations, and in...more
As federal regulators have recently made clear, steamship lines, non-vessel-operating common carriers, indirect air carriers, freight forwarders, and others involved in the global movement of cargo must ensure that their...more
On January 16, 2024, Law No. 14,813 (“Law 14,813”) was published, aiming to provide legal certainty and regulatory stability to pilotage services. Law 14.813 amends Law No. 9.537/97 (“Law 9,537”), which provides for the...more
The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. – William Arthur Ward The U.S. maritime industry is much like a great ship: It is subject to unforeseen forces, and it...more
The Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) newly revised tariff regulations will be effective February 1, 2024. These rule changes will somewhat significantly change day-to-day practices for both vessel operating common carriers...more
New guidance from the Biden Administration mandates that freight forwarders are responsible for complying with trade sanctions and export compliance. On December 11, 2023, the Biden Administration released a 10-page sanctions...more
In a recent report, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) describes steps the EPA should take to increase air monitoring at marine ports and neighboring communities. While not agreeing to...more
The Jones Act is the foundational law of the American maritime industry, and compliance with it is essential whether you are a vessel operator in the US domestic trades or a foreign operator serving the US market. The Jones...more