Andrew Rigden Green discusses the legal tensions over enforecement of the US bloackade of Iranian ports.
"The whole issue of a toll on an international waterway is complicated and possibly illegal."
Global Maritime Sector Head George Macheras and Partner Andrew Rigden Green assess how Iran’s proposed transit fees could affect vessel operations, liability, and broader market behavior in the global shipping sector.
As debate grows over Iran’s proposed transit fees for the Strait of Hormuz, this article explores the long and contested history of charging for passage through international waterways.
Global Maritime Sector Head George Macheras and Partner Andrew Rigden Green provide commentary on the legality of such tolls under the law of the sea and the potential implications for global shipping and trade.
Escalating attacks and the IRGC’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz have created urgent contractual and insurance challenges for Asian shipowners, charterers, and commodity traders.
Partner Andrew Rigden Green provides analysis on when deviation via the Cape of Good Hope is legally reasonable, how force‑majeure and frustration doctrines apply, and what operators must do to preserve insurance coverage while avoiding inadvertent contract repudiation.
"The potential for legal and/or congressional challenges to the official justification for the waiver may also increase as circumstances change during the waiver period."
In the latest Lloyd’s List article, our team explain what the temporary 60‑day waiver could mean for shipowners – including the risk of penalties for even minor mistakes – and why it’s essential to seek legal advice before acting.
Waiving the Jones Act will allow foreign‑flagged vessels to operate in U.S. coastwise trade to help steady oil and gas markets amid disruption linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
In this article Counsels C.J. Chido and Maxi Adamski – de Visser unpack what this means in practice – from how the waiver sits within the Jones Act’s national‑defence provisions to the key compliance steps for vessel owners and charterers, including checking cargo eligibility and monitoring further DHS/CBP updates.
Partner Sumeet Malhotra explains how disruption in the Strait of Hormuz triggers not only shipping delays and surging freight and insurance costs, but also a rapid tightening of trade finance as payment cycles lengthen and banks reduce risk exposure.
"Rather than closing outright, the Strait has instead become significantly more dangerous to navigate."
Partner Jean-Pascal Boutin analyses the strain on European energy systems as the conflict drives gas costs higher, prompting debate over marker reform and renewables.
Partners Natalie Jackson and Kimarie Cheang, and Associates Iliana Mastoraki and Tiana Dias outline the legal and commercial consequences of this de‑facto closure, including deviation risks, charterparty disputes, war‑risk considerations, and significant implications for Singapore’s shipping and arbitration sectors.
Europe is among the most exposed regions, with soaring fuel prices and supply‑chain vulnerabilities prompting experts to warn that even if the conflict ends soon, recovery could take up to six months.
Airlines are struggling to cope with the knock‑on effects of regional airspace closures and safety concerns due to the war in the Middle East, putting holiday travel plans at risk.
Airlines have been warned that long‑haul Easter holiday flights could face significant disruption within weeks as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens global jet fuel supplies and rapidly depleting reserves drive prices to record highs. Europe and the UK are particularly vulnerable, raising the risk of widespread cancellations if the crisis continues.
The UK Foreign Office has warned that the US‑Israeli conflict with Iran is causing global airspace closures and widespread flight delays and cancellations, potentially affecting travel from Heathrow, Gatwick and other UK airports. Jet fuel prices have surged due to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of further airline disruption.
"With refineries in the Middle East damaged and with stocks and supplies to crude refineries globally insufficient, their ability to continue refiningand supplying fuel will be reduced."
Airlines are warning that fuel shortages caused by the escalating US‑Israel conflict with Iran may force widespread flight cancellations starting next month, with jet fuel prices surging.
Partner Sumeet Malhotra speaks to GTR about how the current crisis is reshaping liquidity needs and financing dynamics across the sector.
Airlines around the world are bracing for jet fuel shortages ahead of the pending Easter holiday period, with long haul flights at increased risk.
In The Times’ latest article, our team highlight the wider implications for the aviation industry as refineries across the Middle East face disruption and global supplies tighten.
Partners Alexis Martinez and Merrick White share their expert insights on:
"We are being pulled straight into rapid decision-making in a way we normally wouldn’t, often having minutes to advise on high-risk commercial choices."
Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to ICIS about why many shipowners have seen their war risk cover cancelled despite an ongoing conflict. Once war becomes a certainty, the risk profile shifts dramatically and insurers must reprice cover accordingly.
As the Middle East crisis escalates, lawyers are being pushed to make swift decisions as clients face commercial and operational risks. Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to Law.com about what lawyers are doing to guide clients through commercially critical decisions – often with only minutes to respond.
The doctrine of frustration is rare and tough to prove, but it’s also back in focus as geopolitical tensions rise. Partner Andrew Rigden Green speaks to Lexology about the scenarios that can make frustration a real consideration.
