The end of 2020 has seen significant developments in legislation with implications for the maritime industry as we move from the Trump administration to the new Biden administration. This article provides an update on the...more
Note from the Vice Chair -
Happy fall! As the seasons change, so do the issues confronting the maritime industry...or not. Over the past few years, several topics have consistently remained in the headlines and as a thorn...more
10/12/2018
/ Coast Guard ,
Cybersecurity ,
Department of Justice (DOJ) ,
Federal Arbitration Act ,
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) ,
Imports ,
Maritime Transport ,
Ports ,
Shipping ,
Tariffs ,
Trump Administration ,
USTR ,
Vessels
What #MeToo Means for the Maritime World -
The #MeToo movement has shone new attention on issues for employers in the maritime industry seeking to ensure that seafarers and shore-based personnel can participate in a work...more
The Jones Act restricts the transportation of merchandise between coastwise points to vessels that are owned, operated and controlled by US citizens. The purpose of the Jones Act is to ensure that US domestic trade is carried...more
Ballast Water Management: The Conundrum Continues -
It has been about 15 months since the U.S. Coast Guard (“USCG”) type-approved the first three ballast water management systems (“BWMSs”) in December 2016; three more...more
5/3/2018
/ Ballast Water Management ,
Chapter 11 ,
Coast Guard ,
Commercial Bankruptcy ,
Cybersecurity ,
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ,
Drones ,
Email ,
Hurricane Harvey ,
Hurricane Irma ,
Jones Act ,
Maritime Transport ,
Outer Continental Shelf ,
Technology ,
Trump Administration ,
Vessels
On March 19, 2018, the U.S. Coast Guard published its long-awaited final rule on Marine Casualty Reporting Property Damage Thresholds. In what was widely viewed as a common-sense and non-controversial adjustment, the final...more
Note from the Maritime Industry Team -
Large sectors of the maritime industry—especially offshore—remain in the doldrums, but it nonetheless has been a busy few months for our Blank Rome Maritime group. Our Washington,...more
10/17/2017
/ Coast Guard ,
Congressional Review Act ,
Customs and Border Protection ,
Cyber Attacks ,
Cybersecurity ,
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) ,
Hurricane Harvey ,
Hurricane Irma ,
Hurricane Maria ,
Jones Act ,
Maritime Transport ,
Risk Management ,
Shipping ,
Shipping Cargo ,
Trump Administration ,
Vessels
As we launch into a new year, uncertainty remains the word of the day. Whatever your political leanings, it would be hard to dispute that the inauguration of the Trump administration augurs change on many fronts, from...more
1/31/2017
/ Ballast Water Management ,
Bid Protests ,
Coast Guard ,
Customs and Border Protection ,
Cybersecurity ,
Data Breach ,
GAO ,
Hackers ,
Maritime Transport ,
Risk Management ,
Trump Administration
Action Item: The recently published Subchapter M Final Rule establishes a comprehensive safety system and inspection program for towing vessels. Stakeholders involved in the operation or ownership of towing vessels should...more
As the July 1, 2016, effective date for the SOLAS Regulation VI/2 amendments quickly approaches, unanswered questions and difficulties complying with varied international and domestic implementations loom large. In an effort...more
6/15/2016
/ Chapter 11 ,
Coast Guard ,
Debtors ,
Department of Justice (DOJ) ,
Export Controls ,
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) ,
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) ,
Maritime Transport ,
Self-Reporting ,
Shipping Cargo ,
Vessels
Action Item: With less than 30 days remaining before the July 1, 2016, effective date of the new International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (“SOLAS”) Regulation VI/2 amendments, the International Maritime...more
Action Item: A recent amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (“SOLAS”) regarding requirements for providing certain cargo information, including weight, prior to loading has caused industry...more
2015 was an interesting year for the shipping industry. The dry bulk market had a very challenging 2015, with the Baltic Dry Index hitting new all-time lows. Based on various reports, the outlook for 2016 is not very...more
In this issue:
- A Sea Change Sweeps over Congress: A Look Back and a Look Ahead
- Shipping & International Trade Law (Second Edition 2015)
- Congress Passes Coast Guard Bill in Waning Hours of 113th...more
1/22/2015
/ Coast Guard ,
Cybersecurity ,
Jones Act ,
Legislative Agendas ,
Maritime Transport ,
New Legislation ,
Oil & Gas ,
Risk Assessment ,
Risk Management ,
Shipping ,
Trade Agreements