Insights

A recent decision of the English High Court in MUR Shipping BV v Louis Dreyfus Company Suisse SA (“The Tiger Shanghai”) is likely to add to the sleepless nights of claims handlers who need to submit claims with supporting documents in order to comply with a short contractual time limit.

In this case the court rejected the charterer’s attempt to time bar the owner’s claim for demurrage. The strict approach taken by the court is yet another example of the English courts holding parties to the deal agreed in the contract, in order to achieve contractual certainty. It is a reminder to both owners and charterers to consider carefully the terms of their charterparty to ensure strict compliance with the same.

The impact of coronavirus on international arbitration and litigation: are virtual hearings a solution? The COVID-19 outbreak has rapidly developed into a pandemic, causing wide-scale disruption as countries around the world battle to prevent the further spread of the virus. In a world where all but essential travel has been restricted and social distancing is the new norm a key concern for those parties who have ongoing legal proceedings is whether or not their case will proceed.

US authorities issue guidance to maritime industry regarding illicit shipping and sanctions evasion practices On 14th May, 2020, OFAC, the US Department of State, and the US Coast Guard published a Sanctions Advisory for the Maritime Industry, Energy and Metals Sectors and Related Communities. The Advisory provides guidance to those in the maritime industry and energy and metals sectors, regarding illicit shipping and sanctions evasion. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect global trade, this briefing considers the particular issues facing parties to shipbuilding contracts. The disruption caused by COVID-19 is being felt harshly by some shipbuilders and buyers, as yards struggle to maintain their significant workforce and encounter difficulties in securing materials.