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Note from the Editor
The seafarers of today’s global fleet are the lifeblood of our industry, working tirelessly to keep ships operating safely from port to port. “Perseverance” may not be the first word that comes to mind when asked to describe a mariner. Yet, it may be the most accurate when taking into account the time most mariners spend at sea, working away from family and friends for months on end, through heavy storms and rough seas. Working at sea is a grind. And there are no vacation days to recalibrate or take a deep breath.
It is my belief that it is up to us: the onshore maritime community that benefits from those who go to sea, to support our seafarers whenever we can. One way to help is to donate your time or money to an association that directly helps mariners. This year, the Seamen’s Church Institute (“SCI”) will be hosting its Mountain Challenge from September 25 to 28 at Sunday River Resort in Maine. More than 50 teams of three maritime industry professionals will compete in challenges that involve hiking more than 30 miles of rugged terrain, mastering obstacles, and canoeing the Androscoggin River. Perseverance is a must to complete the course.
The goal is not to win, but to raise funds to benefit SCI and its noble mission of compassionately serving mariners and seafarers. If you wish to support an SCI Mountain Challenge team, more details and information on how to donate are available here: scimountainchallenge.org.
— William R. Bennett III, Editor
ARTICLES
IMO Net-Zero Shipping Framework: A Crossroads for Global Shipping Regulations
By: Jeanne M. Grasso and Holli B. Packer
The International Maritime Organization’s (“IMO”) Marine Environment Protection Committee approved a sweeping package of draft regulations known as the “IMO Net-Zero Shipping Framework” (the “Framework”) in April 2025. This Framework will be voted on in October 2025 and, if adopted, will enter into force by March 2027. It marks an ambitious and comprehensive global effort to align the maritime sector with international climate goals. However, the Framework has also sparked significant debate among IMO member states, most notably the United States, which has voiced strong opposition to the proposed measures. This article provides an overview of the proposed regulations and broader industry implications, while also highlighting the United States’ position and the Framework’s potential impact on the future of maritime decarbonization. Read More »
The Rise of Nuclear Verdicts for Jones Act Seamen: Transforming Maritime Personal Injury Litigation
By: William R. Bennett III and Holli B. Packer
The maritime industry, long governed by a unique set of laws and traditions, is facing a new and formidable challenge: the rise of “nuclear verdicts” in personal injury cases, particularly those involving Jones Act seamen. These outsized jury awards, typically defined as verdicts of $10 million or more, are reshaping the landscape of maritime litigation, insurance, and risk management. As the frequency and size of these verdicts increase, shipowners, insurers, and maritime employers are grappling with the implications for business operations, insurability, and the broader rule of law. Read More »
Whose Freight Is It Anyway? Consignee Liability for Unpaid Ocean Freight
By: Zachary R. Cain
A shipment of jet fuel travels from Singapore to California, where you, the consignee-owner, happily take possession of your cargo. You had purchased the fuel on Cost and Freight terms, so once the fuel is offloaded from the ship and you pay your supplier, you expect that should be the end of your concerns for the delivery. But, as it turns out, the shipper/charterer failed to pay the ocean carrier all the freight charges owed, and now the carrier is looking to you to get paid, claiming you are liable for the unpaid freight under the bills of lading and charterparty. Are you on the hook for those unpaid charges? Read More »
Service of Process in Arbitration Enforcement Actions
By: G. Evan Spencer and Noe S. Hamra
Maritime disputes often find their way to arbitration. Whether the arbitrations are sited in the United States or another country, collection of arbitration awards frequently requires that the prevailing party initiate a civil lawsuit to recognize and enforce the arbitration award in a U.S. federal court. In instances where the award debtor is foreign, serving process pursuant to U.S. rules often presents a significant hurdle to enforcing the award. Read More »
Enforceability of “Knock-for-Knock” Indemnity in U.S. Offshore Wind
By: G. Evan Spencer and Douglas J. Shoemaker
Despite recent setbacks, a number of U.S. offshore wind projects remain on the books and on track. A recurring issue with these projects concerns what contractual indemnity scheme should apply. For offshore oil and gas projects in the United States and internationally, and for offshore wind projects outside the United States, the parties almost uniformly utilize some iteration of a “knock-for-knock” indemnity scheme, whereby each party picks up the full tab for any personal injuries, illnesses, or deaths of its employees and for any damage to or loss of its property, regardless of the cause or the fault of any party. Each party is also responsible for the people and property of their respective “group,” including underlying subcontractors, who should also have the same knock-for-knock indemnity obligations. Read More »
V.O.S. Selections, Inc. and the Sword of Yoshida
By: Keith B. Letourneau
By way of executive order, the Trump administration has imposed tariffs on its global trading partners under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which gives the president powers to deal with national emergencies stemming from “any unusual and extraordinary threat” that comes in whole or in large part from outside the United States. The tariffs have taken two forms: targeted tariffs against China, Mexico, and Canada relating to the importation of illegal narcotics (fentanyl) into the United States (though little evidence supports any such importation from Canada); and so-called "Reciprocal Tariffs” pertaining to perceived trade imbalances, which have been implemented as of August 7, 2025, against nearly all countries with any significant trade relationship with the United States, except as otherwise negotiated through bilateral trade deals with individual nations. Read More »
Spotlight on …
- Get to know Blank Rome Maritime team members Douglas J. Shoemaker and G. Evan Spencer. Read More »
NEWS & RANKINGS
Blank Rome Attorneys Recognized in 2026 Best Lawyers in America®
Blank Rome was recognized in the 2026 Best Lawyers in America survey, which ranked 235 firm attorneys in the annual categories of “Lawyers of the Year,” “Ones to Watch,” and “Best Lawyers” in 60 practice groups across 14 regions. Partners Keith B. Letourneau and Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., were recognized in the “Lawyers of the Year” category for Admiralty and Maritime Law in Houston and New York City, respectively. Additionally, 14 Maritime attorneys were recognized as “Best Lawyers.” Read More »
Jeanne M. Grasso Recognized in Corporate Counsel's 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards
Partner Jeanne M. Grasso was recognized in Corporate Counsel’s 2025 Women, Influence & Power in Law Awards as a winner in the Law Firm Lifetime Achievement category. This distinguished honor recognizes women who, through years of dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment, have profoundly impacted the legal profession by excelling in their careers, breaking barriers, advocating for change, and paving the way for future generations. Read More »
Chambers USA 2025 Honors Blank Rome Maritime Attorneys and Practices
Chambers USA 2025 nationally ranked Blank Rome’s Maritime practice and attorneys in the following areas:
- Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Finance
- Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (New York) - #1 ranking
- Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Litigation (outside New York) - #1 ranking
- Transportation: Shipping/Maritime: Regulatory - #1 ranking
- Offshore Energy
The firm’s ranked Maritime attorneys include: Thomas H. Belknap, Michael Bell, William R. Bennett, Jeanne Grasso, John D. Kimball, Keith B. Letourneau, Richard Singleton, Anthony Salgado, Douglas Shoemaker, Matthew J. Thomas, and Jonathan K. Waldron. Read More »
Blank Rome Attorneys and Practices Highly Ranked in The Legal 500 United States 2025
Blank Rome’s Maritime group and attorneys have been highly ranked and recommended in The Legal 500 United States 2025. Researchers at The Legal 500 conduct annual, in-depth market research and gather information from individual law firms as well as feedback from peers and clients to form an objective analysis and prepare comprehensive rankings and editorial of the U.S. legal market. Read More »
Trump Administration Resource Hub
We invite you to visit our Trump Administration Resource Hub to explore our thought leadership provided by a team of attorneys dedicated to providing comprehensive analysis and actionable insights to help navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by the administration’s executive orders, policies, and regulatory changes.
Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal
We are excited to introduce Blank Rome Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal, amonthly digital newsletter dedicated to appellate law. This publication highlights significant appellate court decisions, as well as trends and developments shaping litigation strategy across the country. In each issue, readers will find timely analysis, case spotlights, and commentary from our experienced Appellate Litigation team. To read the latest edition of Appellate Insights: Winning on Appeal, please click here.
The BR International Trade Report
The September 2025 issue of The BR International Trade Report, Blank Rome’s monthly digital newsletter, highlights international trade, sanctions, cross-border investment, geopolitical risk issues, trends, and laws impacting businesses domestically and abroad. Click here to read it.
The BR Privacy & Security Download
We invite you to read our September 2025 edition of The BR Privacy & Security Download, the monthly digital newsletter of Blank Rome’s Privacy, Security & Data Protection practice, which covers current trends and updates in the areas of state, local, and federal laws and regulations, U.S. litigation and enforcement, and international laws and regulations, as well as the group’s recent events and webinars, media activity, and news. To view the latest edition of The BR Privacy & Security Download, please click here.
Blank Rome Assembles Cross-Practice Trade Enforcement Team
Blank Rome recently launched a new Trade Enforcement Team, drawing upon the strengths of its leading Maritime, International Trade, White Collar Defense & Investigations, False Claims Act (“FCA”), and Government Contracts practices. This strategic initiative is designed to support clients in addressing the growing complexity and frequency of government investigations related to trade controls, sanctions, financial crimes, maritime regulations, and false claims. Read More »
Now Available: Eighth Edition of Time Charters
The eighth edition of Time Charters is now available, fully revised to provide a comprehensive guide for professionals navigating time charter agreements. Proudly co-authored by Blank Rome partner Thomas H. Belknap, Jr., who serves as co-chair of the firm’s Maritime group, and senior counsel John D. Kimball, alongside Sir Andrew Baker and Julian Kenny, this acclaimed work is recognized as the leading authority on time charter law. It serves shipping lawyers, shipowners, charterers, P&I Club members, and insurers by delivering clear analysis and practical solutions.
- Offers current, in-depth legal analysis from industry professionals
- Widely relied upon by practitioners, shipowners, charterers, and insurers globally
- Provides thorough coverage designed for practical problem resolution
To purchase a copy of Time Charters, visit Time Charters - 8th Edition. Use code 25AFLY3 for a 20 percent discount.
RESOURCES
Severe Weather Emergency Recovery Team (“SWERT”)
SWERT is an interdisciplinary group of Blank Rome attorneys and government relations professionals with decades of experience helping companies and individuals recover from severe weather events, including hurricanes, wildfires, mudslides, snowstorms, earthquakes, and tornadoes. We are ready to assist those in the path of storms and other severe weather events. Read More »
Safe Passage Blog
We invite our readers to dive into our archive of Mainbrace newsletters and maritime development advisories, as well as keep abeam with all of our current and upcoming analyses on trending maritime topics and legislation, in our Safe Passage blog. Read More »
© 2025 Blank Rome LLP. All rights reserved. Please contact Blank Rome for permission to reprint. Notice: The purpose of this update is to identify select developments that may be of interest to readers. The information contained herein is abridged and summarized from various sources, the accuracy and completeness of which cannot be assured. This update should not be construed as legal advice or opinion, and is not a substitute for the advice of counsel.
