Insights

Last week at the 74th MEPC Summit, the IMO considered a number of matters relating to the 0.5% sulphur limit taking effect on 1st January, 2020 and provided welcome guidance and clarity on various key issues. We summarise some of the key takeaways in this Soundings update.

On 8th May, 2019, a new US Executive Order (E.O.) was issued which imposes sanctions with respect to the iron, steel, aluminium, and copper sectors of Iran. Essentially, the new EO seeks to cut off trade to and from the Iranian metals industries and deny Iran access to nuclear weapon capabilities. There is a wind-down period of 90 days for any pre-existing business, but any new contracts after 8th of May, 2019 will be considered sanctionable.

OFAC have produced a “Framework for OFAC Compliance” which is said to apply to all OFAC imposed sanctions. OFAC suggests that compliance with these guidelines may ultimately influence OFAC's decision as to whether to designate a relevant person or entity to the SDN List.

The US Government’s sanctions against Venezuela and, specifically, PdVSA, have been a significant focus of discussion since their implementation earlier this year. In this article, we provide an update on the situation and some clarity in relation to the application of the sanctions and how they may impact Members.

The case provides clarification that a charterer’s obligation to keep a ship in class under a Barecon charter is an absolute obligation and a condition of the contract. It also provides a warning of the importance of maintaining class under a bareboat charter at all times and the potentially drastic consequences of failing to do so.