European Union: Marine/ Shipping

The International Maritime Organization has confirmed that the HNS Convention, governing liability and compensation for damage from hazardous cargo transport by sea, will enter force on 29 November 2027. After nearly three decades of delays, this creates immediate compliance obligations for Malta's ship registry and the global maritime industry, requiring new insurance certificates, reporting systems, and a two-tier compensation framework backed by both shipowners and cargo receivers.

On 23rd June 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Shipping (SDM) issued Circular No. 17/2026, introducing a revised regulatory framework governing the use of Electronic Log Books (e-Log Books) on board Cyprus-flagged vessels...

Ireland's Department of Transport has launched a public consultation on revising the National Ports Policy 2013, running until August 2026. The draft policy addresses government investment options for port infrastructure and highlights the need for significant additional capacity on the east coast beyond 2040.

Transport Malta has launched a voluntary safety certification scheme for pleasure yachts under 24 metres, establishing comprehensive guidelines covering vessel safety, operational standards, and pollution prevention.

The Malta Ship Registry has further strengthened its service offering through the introduction of Merchant Shipping Notice 206, establishing a more streamlined and flexible framework for the authentication of foreign documents. Effective from 13 May 2026, this development reinforces Malta’s standing as a modern, client-oriented maritime jurisdiction, while continuing to uphold strong standards of verification and accountability.

Transport Malta has introduced draft Pleasure Yacht Safety Guidelines that establish a voluntary framework enabling non-commercial yachts under the Malta flag to obtain formal safety certification for the first time.

The European Commission is consulting Member States on a crisis aid framework designed to support vulnerable economic sectors affected by the Middle East crisis.

Die Europäische Kommission plant einen Krisenbeihilferahmen für besonders exponierte Wirtschaftssektoren als Reaktion auf die Nahost-Krise.

By virtue of Act I of 2025, significant amendments were introduced to Merchant Shipping Act (‘MSA’) Chapter 234 of the Laws of Malta (‘The Amendments’)...