Trading Straits

The expiry of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation: Implications for the liner shipping industry

Reed Smith associates Emma Weeden and Charles Sauvage explore the impact of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation's (CBER) expiry on the liner shipping industry and evaluate the potential of the Specialization Block Exemption Regulation (SBER) as a replacement. They also discuss the resulting changes, including legal adjustments, compliance considerations and the future landscape for competition, innovation and sustainability.

Read the rest of this entry »

Shipping and cybersecurity (part 2): What happens when it all goes wrong?

In part 1 of the series, partner Philip Thomas and associate Voirrey Davies highlighted the importance of cybersecurity in shipping. In part 2, they share tips on how to handle a breach, and provide their thoughts on the future of autonomous shipping.

Read the rest of this entry »

Shipping and cybersecurity (part 1): What you need to know

Partner Philip Thomas and associate Voirrey Davies discuss the importance of cybersecurity in shipping. Some of the topics include the risks, examples of cyberattacks and tips on how to prevent them.

Read the rest of this entry »

Offshore wind update: The U.S. Jones Act and key challenges

Alice Colarossi and Julia Norsetter discuss how the Jones Act poses challenges for the development of offshore wind projects in the U.S.  They explain the contents of the Jones Act, provide commentary on its implementation, and discuss solutions that have been used to overcome its restrictions.

Read the rest of this entry »

Global limitation developments

Admiralty & casualty lawyers Richard Gunn (partner) and James Scott (counsel) discuss developments in relation to the 1976 Convention on limitation of liability for maritime claims. Richard provides analysis on the application of Articles 12 and 13 of the Convention and James talks on limitation of liability for indemnity claims for wreck removal costs.   

Read the rest of this entry »

Navigating changes in global shipping and trade

Partners Nick Austin, Thor Maalouf and Alex Brandt bring us up to date with the latest shipping and trade issues; including sanctions, the geopolitical landscape's influence on the supply chain, and the shifting dynamics of decarbonization regulations. Following the industry panel discussion at the London International Shipping Week event hosted by Reed Smith in September, the three speakers offer insights into the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the shipping and trade sector.

Getting into offshore: Financing vessels for energy projects

The demand for large-scale offshore energy – including oil, wind and solar – is presenting opportunities for companies that supply vessels. Transportation lawyers Susan Riitala and Catriona Henderson discuss the unique dynamics of financing vessels for offshore energy operations, the special risks it presents, the importance of having trusted partners, and other solutions to major problems. Tune in for a concise, insightful look at the booming world of offshore energy.

Maritime carbon emissions: Inclusion in the EU emissions trading scheme

Partners Nick Austin and Brett Hillis and counsel Julie Vaughan explain key features of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and how it is now to be applied to ships entering and leaving EU ports – and those sailing between them. In this podcast, they discuss the implications for charterers, possibilities for trading emissions allowances and the relevance of financial regulation.

Breaking bottlenecks at the border: Preventing FCPA allegations

Customs has taken on heightened significance with respect to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) compliance and risk management for many global businesses. We are tapping the knowledge of two former federal prosecutors from the U.S. Justice Department to help provide useful insights. Regulatory enforcement lawyers Daniel Ahn and Mark Bini discuss their experience in matters involving allegations of bribery and corruption brought by federal and state governments and explain the key issues that companies should look out for at the border. They analyze the FCPA, discuss customs issues, and show how attention to compliance and due diligence help prevent allegations of corruption.

Decarbonization technology: Risks in superyacht construction and financing

Transportation lawyers Philip Rymer, Thor Maalouf and Romain Farnoux discuss issues arising from the incorporation of new technologies – specifically, ones designed to reduce carbon emissions – in superyachts, including the risks of new designs and their potential impact on construction terms and financing arrangements.