Maritime Law & Regulation
Latest Maritime Law & Regulation reporting, analysis and industry developments.
Iran condemns alleged US use of VHF Channel 16 for military intimidation
Iran has criticised what it described as the use of the maritime distress and calling channel by the US military for intimidation and psychological pressure, following reports from crews and operators of threats in Persian over VHF Channel 16.
16 Oct 2026 · 18:08
FMC Threatens Cosco With Fine Over Delayed Award Payment
The US Federal Maritime Commission has threatened Cosco with penalties over an allegedly delayed award payment, according to the supplied source material.
08 Oct 2026
Tanker Fire Reported After Projectile Strike in Strait of Hormuz
A tanker was hit by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on October 1, causing a fire onboard, according to UK Maritime Trade Operations. The crew was reported safe.
03 Oct 2026
UAE mandatory maritime pre-load cargo filing regime takes effect October 1
The UAE’s Maritime Pre-load Cargo Information requirements become mandatory on October 1, 2026, covering containerized cargo imported, transshipped, transited or remaining on board through the UAE.
03 Oct 2026
Bahrain-Led Group Calls for Strait of Hormuz Reopening Without Tolls
A Bahrain-led group supported by 80 countries has urged the immediate and full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, calling for safe commercial transit without tolls, conditions or other charges amid continued security incidents affecting regional shipping.
27 Sep 2026
Taiwan Expands Coast Guard Patrol Capacity Around Pratas Islands
Taiwan has increased coast guard patrol and enforcement capacity around the Pratas Islands, stationing a new 100-tonne-class vessel at the remote South China Sea outpost and regularly deploying larger patrol ships.
25 Sep 2026
Trump signs sanctions bill allowing tariffs on Russian trading partners
US President Donald Trump has signed a sanctions bill into law that could permit tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, including China.
22 Sep 2026
Iran Claims Strike on Togo-Flagged Tanker in Hormuz as Italy Plans Red Sea Escorts
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they struck the product tanker Trend in the Strait of Hormuz, while Italy is preparing a framework to escort nationally linked merchant ships through Bab el-Mandeb.
21 Sep 2026
Unreported Foreign Tanker Voyages Raise Questions Over Jones Act Waiver Data
Foreign-flagged tankers carried petroleum products between U.S. ports under a Jones Act waiver without appearing in MARAD’s public reports, according to a Bloomberg Government analysis.
21 Sep 2026
Iran Plans New Gulf Restricted Zone and Strait of Hormuz Transit Corridor
Iran says it will soon publish details of a new restricted zone in the Gulf and maps for an alternative shipping corridor through Iranian and Omani waters. The announcement comes as vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains sharply reduced amid renewed military strikes.
08 Sep 2026
Hormuz vessel traffic falls as Iran signals exclusion zone
Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped to its lowest level since May amid escalating military tensions, while Iran has announced plans for an exclusion zone that could create further uncertainty for shipowners and operators.
08 Sep 2026
Hormuz Rules Leave Shipowners Caught Between Iranian Measures and US Sanctions
Iran has blacklisted 45 vessels over alleged breaches of its Strait of Hormuz transit arrangements, while US authorities warn that engaging with Tehran’s maritime authority could expose companies to sanctions.
07 Sep 2026Saudi Arabia Accuses Iran of Deadly Attack on Bahri Tanker in Strait of Hormuz
Saudi Arabia said an Iranian attack on Bahri-owned tanker Sidr killed two Filipino seafarers while the vessel was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Bahri said it was coordinating with authorities following the security incident.
06 Sep 2026
Iran crude exports through Hormuz halted for seven weeks under US blockade
Iran has gone about seven weeks without meaningful crude exports transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking firms, as a US naval blockade prevents fresh cargoes from reaching China and leaves millions of barrels aboard tankers inside the strait.
06 Sep 2026
Two Alsu Officers Arrested After Sea of Marmara Collision
The captain and third officer of the Turkish-flagged tanker Alsu have been arrested on negligent homicide charges after a collision in the Sea of Marmara. The cargo ship Tuğberk İmamoğlu sank within minutes, leaving its 10 crew members missing.
05 Sep 2026
Singapore Warns Shipowners Over False Vessel Data
Singapore’s maritime authority has warned shipowners and port agents that submitting false, misleading or unverifiable vessel information for port calls and clearance could trigger enforcement action.
05 Sep 2026IMO Backs ATLAS Initiative on Safe Nuclear Technologies at Sea
The IMO joined the IAEA’s launch of the ATLAS initiative in Washington, D.C., supporting international dialogue on the legal, safety, security, safeguards and liability frameworks required for potential maritime nuclear applications.
04 Sep 2026
Hormuz vessel traffic falls as tanker attacks heighten security concerns
Visible commodity vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to five per day over the weekend as operators responded cautiously to continued attacks. The IMO renewed calls for unhindered navigation, saying up to 400 ships and around 6,000 seafarers have been unable to leave the Persian Gulf safely.
31 Aug 2026
Iran Sets Conditions for Restoring Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz
Iran is preparing conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including an end to the regional war, sanctions relief and compensation. Tehran and Oman are also discussing a designated shipping corridor spanning their respective waters.
31 Aug 2026
Hormuz vessel transits fall as tanker attacks heighten security concerns
Visible commodity vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell to five ships per day over the weekend amid continued attacks, while the IMO renewed calls for unhindered navigation and warned that around 6,000 seafarers remain unable to leave the Persian Gulf safely.
31 Aug 2026
Tanker Struck in Strait of Hormuz as Navigation Risks Persist
The tanker AL SALAM II was hit by an unknown projectile near Khasab, Oman, while sailing eastbound through the Strait of Hormuz. Its crew extinguished a resulting fire and no injuries or environmental impact were reported, as mine-clearance work and regional talks on safer navigation continue.
31 Aug 2026
Iran Blacklists 45 Tankers Over Strait of Hormuz Transit Rules
Iran has placed 45 tankers on a non-compliance list for allegedly breaching its rules governing Strait of Hormuz transits, warning that the vessels could face fines, detention and cargo confiscation. Ships conducting transfers with the listed tankers may also be blacklisted.
29 Aug 2026