United Kingdom: Marine/ Shipping

The Strait of Hormuz has become a critical flashpoint for global maritime trade following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran in 2026. With approximately one-fifth of global oil trade passing through this vital waterway, commercial shipping now operates under unprecedented security threats including missile attacks, drone strikes, and mine risks. Marine insurance premiums have skyrocketed from 0.125% to as high as 10% of vessel values, fundamentally altering the economics of Gulf trade and forcing th

UK vessel registration offers vessel owners far more than administrative compliance. From legal protection under English maritime law to international recognition and access to marine finance, Part I Registration on the UK Ship Register provides significant commercial and operational advantages for both private and commercial vessel owners navigating global waters.

The UK Supreme Court has ruled on whether buyers can recover loss of bargain damages when cancelling a ship sale contract under the 2012 Norwegian Saleform due to a seller's late delivery caused by proven negligence. The decision clarifies the scope of compensation available under clause 14 when sellers miss the cancelling date, potentially exposing sellers to significant market-difference damages in rising markets.

British armed forces have detained the shadow fleet oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel, marking the UK's first independent seizure of such a vessel.

The Court of Appeal examined whether shipowners were entitled to refuse loading Russian oil cargo based on sanctions risk concerns, involving a shipper associated with an EU-sanctioned individual. The case provides important guidance on interpreting risk avoidance clauses in commercial contracts, particularly where sanctions compliance creates operational uncertainty.

Businesses navigating the Strait of Hormuz crisis face complex contractual challenges as they balance enforcing protections while limiting their own exposure. This analysis examines the English-law issues arising from supply chain disruptions and provides guidance for companies managing contractual risk across shipping, energy, commodities, and construction sectors.

The last year has been an eventful one, with continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty creating both challenges and opportunities for businesses...

Much of the underlying substantive law with maritime disputes is the same under Scots law and English law.

On 21 July 2025, the UK ETS Authority (the "Authority") published an interim response to its November 2024 consultation (the "Consultation") on the expansion of the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (the "UK ETS") to include emissions from the maritime sector from 1 July 2026 (the "Interim Response")...