Maritime Law & Regulation
Latest Maritime Law & Regulation reporting, analysis and industry developments.
OFAC Updates Sanctions Guidance on Iranian Demands in Strait of Hormuz
OFAC has issued additional guidance warning maritime stakeholders about sanctions risks linked to Iranian demands for tolls, information, insurance or other services associated with safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
27 Aug 2026IMO expands Port State Control data exchange with Black Sea and Caribbean agreements
IMO has signed updated data-exchange agreements with the Black Sea and Caribbean Port State Control regimes, advancing plans for a global database designed to improve inspection-data sharing, transparency and risk-based planning.
26 Aug 2026
Windward: False-Flagged Vessel Fleet Expands Amid Iran and Russia Sanctions
The IMO database lists 580 vessels carrying fraudulent flags, according to Windward, while false-flag activity remains closely linked to sanctioned tanker trades involving Iran and Russia.
25 Aug 2026
IMO urges action as piracy resurges in Gulf of Aden
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for the immediate and unconditional release of more than 90 seafarers held captive, warning that piracy and armed robbery are making the Gulf of Aden and surrounding waters increasingly dangerous.
25 Aug 2026
Iran Lists 46 Ships as Non-Compliant with Strait of Hormuz Transit Arrangements
Iran has identified 46 vessels that it says breached its Strait of Hormuz transit arrangements, warning of possible fines, detention, seizure or confiscation during future passages. Shipowners and charterers were advised to screen vessels before fixing Gulf voyages.
25 Aug 2026
Armed Men Hijack Sanctioned Tanker Sibu 1 in Gulf of Aden
Six armed men have seized control of the US-sanctioned product tanker Sibu 1 in the Gulf of Aden and redirected it toward Somalia, according to UKMTO. The incident is the second reported hijacking in the region within days.
24 Aug 2026
Ukraine Reports 52 Civilian Ships Attacked in Black Sea Over Six Weeks
Ukraine’s infrastructure ministry says 52 civilian vessels were attacked in the Black Sea during July and the first half of August 2026. Kyiv has appealed to the IMO, warning of risks to seafarers, freedom of navigation, maritime exports and global food supplies.
23 Aug 2026
US Extends Jones Act Waiver with New Vessel Availability Test
The US has extended an emergency Jones Act waiver through November 15, 2026, while introducing a voyage-by-voyage review intended to give coastwise-qualified vessels an opportunity to carry eligible domestic cargo before foreign tonnage is authorized.
22 Aug 2026
US Forces Disable Panama-Flagged Cargo Ship Over Alleged Iran Blockade Breach
A US Navy helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the Panama-flagged Vela Nova after the cargo ship allegedly ignored orders to stop in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel was disabled, while all 17 crew members were reportedly accounted for.
21 Aug 2026
Trump directive opens path for foreign-built US Navy vessels
A US presidential memorandum orders a broad overhaul of Navy shipbuilding, allowing qualifying foreign yards to build initial vessels overseas while establishing US facilities, transferring technology and developing domestic supply chains.
21 Aug 2026
IMO condemns deadly attack on cargo ship TIHAMAH off Yemen
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned the attack on the cargo ship TIHAMAH off Al Mokha, Yemen, which resulted in several confirmed seafarer deaths. He urged operators to assess transit risks and follow appropriate best management practices.
21 Aug 2026
US Extends Limited Jones Act Waiver Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruption
President Donald Trump has extended a Jones Act waiver for 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to move specified energy and agricultural cargoes between US ports as disruption to oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz pressures fuel supplies.
21 Aug 2026
Armed Group Boards Tanker off Yemen and Diverts Vessel Towards Somalia
Six armed people boarded and took control of a tanker in the Gulf of Aden before diverting it towards Somalia, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The condition of the crew and vessel remains unknown.
20 Aug 2026
CENTCOM Says US Forces Disabled Vela Nova in Gulf of Oman
US Central Command said American forces disabled the Panama-flagged cargo vessel Vela Nova after it attempted to sail towards an Iranian port in violation of a US blockade.
20 Aug 2026
PSC pressure eases in August, but bulk carriers remain under scrutiny
The RiSK4SEA PSC Stress Index Outlook for August 2026 shows improving enforcement conditions for tankers, container ships and general cargo vessels. Bulk carriers remain at PSI-6, with technical, safety management and fire protection deficiencies requiring attention.
19 Aug 2026
IMO Adopts First Global Safety Code for Autonomous Ships
The IMO has adopted a non-mandatory safety framework for AI-enabled, remotely operated and autonomous cargo ships. The MASS Code will take effect on 1 July 2026, ahead of planned work on binding requirements under SOLAS.
18 Aug 2026IMO condemns attacks on merchant ships in Black Sea and Sea of Azov
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has condemned a recent series of attacks on civilian merchant vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, calling on parties to geopolitical conflicts to protect seafarers, respect international law and safeguard freedom of navigation.
18 Aug 2026
IMO Council Calls for Unimpeded Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz
The IMO Council has reaffirmed freedom of navigation and transit passage through international straits, while condemning attacks on civilian commercial ships around the Strait of Hormuz and urging regional de-escalation.
18 Aug 2026
Operation Atalanta confirms bulk carrier Golden Arsenal safe after pirate attack
MV Golden Arsenal has resumed navigation after an attempted pirate attack in the Gulf of Aden. The crew sheltered in the citadel before an Indian Navy team secured the bulk carrier, with no injuries reported.
18 Aug 2026
Turkey Bars Israeli Vessels From Ports and Restricts Turkish Ship Calls in Israel
Turkey has closed its ports to Israeli vessels and is preventing Turkish-flagged ships from calling at Israeli ports, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told parliament. The measures form part of Ankara’s actions against Israel over the war in Gaza.
18 Aug 2026