Insights

Chinese maritime law in 2025: a review

Dr Liang Zhao, Institute of Maritime Law, Law School, University of Southampton, UK

This review, available in English and Chinese language, analyses the main provisions of the new Chinese Maritime Code. It also provides an analysis of judgments published by Chinese courts in 2025, and introduces several arbitration awards published by the China Maritime Arbitration Commission.

Published 1 October 26

Hague-Visby Rules: Interpretation of "suit" and the deck cargo exception

Chris Metcalf (Partner), at HFW

The Court of Appeal has handed down its judgment in Batavia Eximp & Contracting (S) Pte Ltd v Pedregal Maritime SA (The Taikoo Brilliance), an interesting case involving a number of questions relating to the Hague-Visby Rules time bar.

Published 22 September 26

Expert evidence (Part I): observations from practice and cases

Prokopios Krikris, FCIArb, Arbitrator

Expert evidence is a broad subject, particularly in shipping disputes, where technical, operational and commercial issues often overlap. A good understanding of technical matters and market practice is therefore important when evaluating such evidence.

Published 15 September 26

Going dark: legal risks of GPS jamming and AIS spoofing – insurance

Remi Cruttenden (Associate), Henry Clack (Senior Associate) and Ruth Allan De Maldonado (Knowledge Counsel), HFW

In the final instalment of this mini-series we turn our attention to the potential insurance implications of the manipulation of vessel identity and location data, and how these risks may affect the availability of cover.

Published 7 August 26