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IMO Net-Zero Framework: MEPC 84 Advances Negotiations Amid Political Headwinds
Jeanne M. Grasso and Holli B. Packer ● The International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) Marine Environmental Protection Committee (“MEPC”) held its 84th session (“MEPC 84”) in London from April 27 to May…
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The IMO Adopts the First Global Code for Autonomous Ships
Dana S. Merkel, Alan M. Weigel, and Vanessa C. DiDomenico ● The International Maritime Organization (“IMO”) formally adopted the International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (“MASS Code” or…
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Carriage of Cargo on Deck: An Update—Lessons from AGCS Marine Insurance Co. v. M/V Imabari Logger
Noe S. Hamra and Thomas H. Belknap Jr. ● Introduction In April 2022, we published an article titled “Carriage of Cargo on Deck: Carriers Be Aware,” in which we discussed the…
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Anatomy of a Marine Casualty Investigation
Thomas H. Belknap Jr. and William R. Bennett III ● Blank Rome’s maritime attorneys have been retained in the wake of many tragic maritime casualties that have resulted in the catastrophic…
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Recent Award Highlights the Advantages of SMA Arbitration
John D. Kimball and Noe S. Hamra ● A recent consolidated arbitration conducted under the rules of the Society of Maritime Arbitrators, Inc. (“SMA”) highlights several advantages of SMA arbitration for…
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High Seas Treaty Takes Force: What You Need to Know
Jeanne M. Grasso and Holli B. Packer ● Roughly two thirds of the ocean lies outside of any country’s jurisdiction. This area, encompassing about half of the Earth’s total surface, is…
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The Iran War and International Shipping: Navigating Disruption and Legal Risk in the International Shipping and Logistics Industries
Keith B. Letourneau, Natalie M. Radabaugh, and G. Evan Spencer ● The escalation of armed conflict involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and certain Gulf states following coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in…
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Trump Administration Issues 60-Day Jones Act Waiver Amid the Iran War
Keith B. Letourneau, Natalie M. Radabaugh, and G. Evan Spencer ● Based on a request by the Department of War, the Trump Administration announced a 60-day limited waiver of the Jones…
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Navigating DOJ’s New Corporate Enforcement Landscape: Key Considerations for Environmental Voluntary Self-Disclosures
Gregory F. Linsin and Holli B. Packer ● The Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) released its new Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (“CEP”) on March 10, 2026, establishing, for the…
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Navigating U.S. Arrival: A Guide for Vessels on Port Entry and Inspections on Arrival
Luke M. Reid, Jeanne M. Grasso, Matthew J. Thomas, and Holli B. Packer ● When a vessel arrives in a U.S. port, its owners, operators, and crew face a complex regulatory…