Insights

In the last edition of our Sulphur Series we foreshadowed some of the potential considerations relating to the use of scrubbers as a means of compliance with the MARPOL sulphur cap regulations. Now that scrubbers have come into common usage on many ships, we take an updated look at some of the legal and practical issues that have come to the fore. Find out more.

The rapid escalation of the COVID-19 outbreak is having a huge impact on the shipping industry. Many parties are having to review their contractual obligations in light of the developing situation.In this article, we focus in on force majeure provisions in the context of COVID-19.

The UK has now left the EU and we are in a “transition period” (also known as the “implementation period”) during which the future relationship between the parties is under negotiation. UK sanctions regimes are currently very closely aligned with those of the EU. This is expected to be the case after the transition period, although there may be important distinctions of which Members should be aware.

Are you ready for the carriage ban? As of 1st March, 2020, ships that were not fitted with scrubbers will not be permitted to carry on board fuel with sulphur content in excess of 0.50%, even if such fuel is not intended to be used.  Any non-compliant fuel remaining on board will therefore need to be removed by 1st March.

As of 18th February, 2020, Rosneft Trading SA has been designated as a Specially Designated National (“SDN”) for operating in the oil sector of the Venezuelan economy. The designation is subject to a wind down period, which expires on 20th May, 2020. Click to read more…