United Kingdom: Marine/ Shipping

Transportation rates remain elevated across all major modes as capacity constraints persist in trucking and air freight, while ocean markets show early signs of stabilization following inventory front-loading activity. Despite some moderation from peak levels, rates across global shipping, air cargo, and North American trucking continue to run significantly above prior-year benchmarks due to ongoing network disruptions and structural capacity limitations.

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.

Further to our earlier post on the UK’s seizure of the Smyrtos oil tanker, the UK’s National Crime Agency has announced that Indian national Ajay Pant, has been charged...

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.

The Association of Average Adjusters (AAA) has published a discussion paper highlighting significant concerns about insurance coverage for GPS spoofing related vessel casualties.

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.