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 1, 2026. The session concluded with a commitment to rebuild
Safe Passage
Safe Passage, published by Blank Rome, focuses on legal issues related to the maritime and shipping industries. The blog covers topics such as maritime environmental regulations, personal injury litigation under the Jones Act, liability for ocean freight, arbitration enforcement in maritime disputes, and contractual indemnity arrangements in offshore energy projects including wind and oil. It addresses regulatory developments, litigation trends, and contractual matters affecting shipping companies, seamen, consignees, and offshore project stakeholders. The content is aimed at legal professionals and industry participants navigating the complex legal landscape of maritime commerce and offshore energy.
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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 the “Code”) on May 22, 2026, marking a significant regulatory…
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 legal risks carriers face when transporting cargo on deck under…
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 loss of life, significant personal injury, damage to the environment,…
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 maritime and transportation disputes. The case is The M/V Della, SMA…
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 known as the “high seas.” The high seas hold huge…
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 late February 2026 has significantly and immediately impacted international shipping…
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 Act (46 U.S.C. § 55102) on March 17, 2026, in…
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 first time, a single, comprehensive framework governing all corporate criminal…
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 environment. The United States presents challenges for vessels because U.S.…