On 30 March 2020, in Citgo Asphalt Refining Co v Fescati Shipping Co Ltd, the US Supreme Court resolved a circuit split on the interpretation of safe-berth clauses. If the clause contains an unqualified warranty of safety, the court determined that the clause imposed an absolute duty on the charterer to select a safe berth. …
US Supreme Court rules safe berth clause is a warranty Read More »
London International legal and professional services firm Ince has today announced the appointments of Gillie Belsham and Chris Kidd as co-heads of its Energy and Infrastructure Practice. Both are long-time partners at Ince, each with decades of experience. They will succeed outgoing Simon Hems, who departs the firm after leading the practice for the past …
Ince announces new heads of Energy and Infrastructure Practice Read More »
Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) has promoted six lawyers to the firm’s partnership for 2020, bringing the total number of Partners to 173. They are: Michele Autuori – Maritime, Assets & Structured Finance, Rome Michele specialises in loan agreements, security packages, restructuring and insolvency, leasing transactions of yachts and sale and purchase of vessels. His …
Extension of Time for Payment of Tonnage Tax and Annual Maintenance Fee: It has been announced that the CyprusShipping Deputy Ministry, in an effort to support shipping companies and owners of Cyprus ships and to enable them to address the difficulties encountered due to the wide spread of the coronavirus outbreak, has decided to extend …
Across the world, businesses and governments are grappling with the financial impact caused by COVID-19. One response has been the provision of financial support to businesses by government. Another focus has been insolvency law, with various initiatives being proposed to enable businesses to avoid insolvency proceedings due to what is hoped to be a temporary …
Insolvency Law In The Spotlight: The UK Response To The Financial Impact Of Covid-19 Read More »
Law-Decree no. 23/2020 (the so called “Restore Liquidity” Decree), which entered into force and was published in the Italian Official Gazette on 9 April 2020, sets forth urgent measures concerning access to credit and fiscal duties for companies; special powers for the government in strategic sectors; and measures concerning health, employment and an extension of …
There has been much debate about the COLREGS over the last 12 months or so, with many suggesting that it is now time for not just some amendments but a total revision of the Rules. So are the COLREGS still fit for purpose? The future: autonomous ships Many believe that in the not so distant …
Global, sector-focused law firm assisted Abu Dhabi Ports on its purchase of bulk carrier Mv NIKI. HFW also provided completion services to all parties on the transaction, which was closed remotely via video conference due to Covid-19. Participants logged in from 11 different locations in Greece and Abu Dhabi, and all documents were signed electronically, …
HFW Assists Abu Dhabi Ports On Ship Purchase With Remote Closing By Video Conference Read More »
It will be difficult to ascertain a full picture of how well the international shipping industry is complying with the new sulphur 2020 environmental legislation and judge the effectiveness of enforcement measures until sometime after the Covid-19 pandemic has receded, says maritime law specialist Hill Dickinson. Introduced on January 1st this year, the implementation of …
Pandemic masks true picture of sulphur 2020 compliance Read More »
In March 2020, the US State and Treasury Departments announced sanctions against various Chinese companies for trading in Iranian petrochemicals. Among the targets were ship management company Aoxing Ship Management Shanghai Ltd and shipowner Sea Charming Shipping Company Limited. News reports claim that both companies are owned by Chinese chemical tanker company Junzheng Shipping, which …
Sanctions In The Time Of Covid-19: Ongoing Risks For The Shipping Community Read More »
