regulations News - VesselAPI

regulations May 12, 2026

U.S. Nuclear Shipping Revival Faces Regulatory and Industrial Challenges

The U.S. Maritime Administration's (MARAD) initiative, led by Sean Duffy, aims to revive nuclear shipping, posing significant industrial and regulatory questions, as reported by gCaptain. This effort, which echoes past energy dominance announcements, seeks to determine if the U.S. can develop the necessary infrastructure and insurance frameworks.

gCaptain

regulations May 11, 2026

Senators Urge Trump to Prioritize U.S. Shipbuilding in Xi Summit

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is urging President Donald Trump to prioritize American shipbuilding and avoid concessions to China during his upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as reported by gCaptain. The senators emphasize the strategic importance of maintaining a robust domestic shipbuilding industry.

gCaptain

Splash247

regulations May 11, 2026

Decarbonisation Strategies Dominate Geneva Dry Bulk Debate

The dry bulk sector's focus has shifted from achieving net zero to navigating the commercial viability of decarbonisation, as highlighted during the Dry Decarbonisation panel in Geneva. Splash247 reports that the industry is grappling with carbon costs, fuel choices, and uncertainty in this transition.

Splash247

regulations May 8, 2026

Authority and Accountability in Modern Shipping

Sunil Kapoor, writing for Splash247, explores the disconnect between authority and accountability in modern shipping, emphasizing that a vessel's age is less significant than its maintenance and operation. With over forty years of experience in the industry, Kapoor argues that paperwork often fails to reflect the true condition of a ship.

Splash247

gCaptain

regulations May 7, 2026

House Labor Caucus Opposes Trump's Jones Act Waiver Extension

The Trump administration's extension of the Jones Act waiver is facing increased opposition, now joined by top House labor lawmakers, as reported by gCaptain. This growing backlash includes maritime unions, domestic operators, and industry groups.

gCaptain

regulations May 7, 2026

Australia Bans Liberian Bulker Over Crew Exploitation Concerns

Australia has prohibited a Liberian-flagged bulker from entering its ports due to findings of crew underpayment and unlawful charges for drinking water, as reported by gCaptain. This action is part of Australia's intensified efforts to address labor abuses in the maritime industry.

gCaptain

regulations May 7, 2026

U.S. Sanctions Target Iraqi Oil Official in Iran Oil Scheme

The Trump administration has imposed sanctions on Iraq's deputy oil minister and several militia-linked companies for allegedly aiding Iran in smuggling oil, as reported by gCaptain. This move is part of a broader economic campaign against Tehran.

gCaptain

Splash247

regulations May 7, 2026

Taiwanese Bulker FPMC B Forever Banned in Australia Over Wage Dispute

Splash247 reports that the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has banned the bulk carrier FPMC B Forever due to unpaid crew wages, marking the third such ban in two months. The vessel, flagged in Liberia and operated by Formosa Plastics Marine Corporation, was inspected at the port of Newcastle, revealing breaches of the Maritime Labour Convention.

FPMC B Forever (bulk) Newcastle (AU)

Splash247

gCaptain

regulations May 6, 2026

FMC's New Climate Role Could Reshape Global Shipping Regulation

Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella's participation in the International Maritime Organization's 84th Marine Environment Protection Committee session in London marks a significant shift in U.S. maritime regulatory policy, as reported by gCaptain. This involvement is unprecedented since the FMC has not historically been involved in U.S. climate negotiations at the IMO.

gCaptain

Splash247

regulations May 6, 2026

OOCL Disputes FMC Adjudication After $45m Penalty

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has filed a legal challenge against the Federal Maritime Commission, questioning the constitutionality of the regulator's adjudication process, as reported by Splash247. This follows a $45 million ruling against the liner operator, prompting OOCL to seek a halt to ongoing FMC proceedings in a Texas federal court.

Splash247