Shipowners’ update

Key cases, industry developments
and their implications for shipowners

What are the recent cases and judgments most likely to impact the international shipping markets?

And what do you need to know about them?

Welcome to our shipowners’ update, where we provide a high-level overview of recent cases, judgments, and industry developments relevant to vessel owners and operators, exploring the potential impact these cases and industry developments may have in commercial practice.

If you wish to discuss any of the cases or industry developments raised in further detail, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our latest articles

Global Minimum Tax rules in 2025

The OECD Pillar Two rules (also known as the Global Minimum Tax), where implemented by a national jurisdiction, require ...

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A new year ahead for shipping: Regulatory compliance

There are a few main legislative developments in 2025 which will have an impact on the shipping industry.

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UK Government publishes consultation seeking views on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme extension beyond 2030 (closing 23:59 BST on 9 April 2025)

The UK ETS Authority published a consultation paper setting out its proposals for extending the UK ETS scheme under the ...

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UK Government publishes consultation seeking views on the delivery of the Government’s commitment to support a prosperous and managed North Sea transition (closing 23:59 BST on 30 April 2025)

The Department for Energy Security & Net Zero published a consultation paper setting out its plans to develop a framewor...

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Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) proposes to impose port fee increases on Chinese vessels and vessel operators (consultation closing on 24 March 2025)

On 16 January 2025, the USTR published a notice of determination that China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics and s...

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DOE order removes certain restrictions on LNG bunkering

On February 25, 2025, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued an Order Granting Request for Rehearing and Clarification an...

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UK Government issues guidance on No-Russia clause

On 7 January 2025, the UK Government issued its guidance on a “no re-export to Russia” clause to support UK entities tha...

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The UK Arbitration Act 2025 receives Royal Assent

On 24 February 2025, the Arbitration Act 2025 (the 2025 Act) received Royal Assent and will come into force on a date to...

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Commercial Court confirms that lenders are entitled to withhold consent to granting of security or disposal of assets for lenders’ own commercial best interests

In Macdonald Hotels Ltd v Bank of Scotland Plc [2025] EWHC 32 (Comm), the High Court examined the terms of a loan which ...

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The Admiralty Court clarifies the remit of Article 1(2) “charterer” under the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims

A fire on the container ship X-Press Peal ultimately led to the sinking of the ship and her cargo.

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Massive vessel carrying shipping containers

Hapag-Lloyd v Skyros: Calculation of loss (if any) caused by charterers late redelivery

Despite the late redelivery of the vessels at a time when the market rate was higher than the charter rate, the Commerci...

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Paying the Price: Court of Appeal holds debt still due when non-fulfilment of a condition precedent is caused by the buyer’s own breach

In King Crude Carriers SA & Ors v Ridgebury November LLC & Ors [2024] EWCA Civ 719 the Court of Appeal held that the claimant sellers (the Sellers) were entitled to claim the deposits promised under sale contracts as a debt despite the defendant buyers’ (the Buyers) breach of contract, which had resulted in the non-fulfilment of a condition precedent to the payment of the deposits.

Global | Publication | December 18, 2024

Shipping law insights

EU Emissions Trading System – What have we learned after nine months of operation?

European shipping and ships calling at EU ports became subject to the EU ETS in January 2024.

Global | Publication | October 03, 2024

Shipping law insights

Updates to the Nordic Plan

The Nordic Plan is a preferred insurance plan increasingly used by ship operators and approved by financial institutions.

Global | Publication | September 30, 2024

Legalflyer

FW Aviation v VietJet: Meaning of the “Financial Institution”

This case is relevant to borrowers under loan agreements, who may seek to limit the type of entities that can become lenders, and to lenders, who may wish to limit the syndicate to certain types of institutions

Global | Publication | August 08, 2024

Legalflyer

Other areas of interest

Legalseas

Our shipping law insights provide legal and market commentary, addressing the key questions and topics of interest to our clients operating in the shipping industry, helping them to effectively manage risk.

Women in Maritime

Women represent only 1.2 percent of the global seafarer workforce as per the BIMCO/ICS 2021 Seafarer Workforce Report.

Contacts

Eleanor Martin

Partner

eleanor.martin@nortonrosefulbright.com

London

T: +44 (20) 74443609

David Metzger

Counsel

david.metzger@nortonrosefulbright.com

London

T: +44 (20) 74445035

Vicky Jeong

Associate

vicky.jeong@nortonrosefulbright.com

London

T: +44 (20) 74442299

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Shipowners' update

Key cases, industry developments
and their implications for shipowners