Welcome to HWL Ebsworth’s Shipping and Trade Bulletin, keeping you up to date with the latest developments in the maritime industry.

Rise in ship detentions by AMSA

We wish to draw your attention to the most recent Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Port State Control 2016 Report which noted an increase in ship detentions since 2015, throughout Australian Ports. For further information on this report and the implications of its findings click here.

Cargo interests’ obligation to contribute in general average

A recent decision of the Federal Court of Australia has clarified whether a party who has an interest in a cargo carried, but is not the owner of that cargo, has a duty to contribute in General Average. For further information on this decision click here.

Australian Government’s proposed changes to the Seacare Scheme

The Australian Government is seeking to make changes to the Seacare scheme, which provides workers compensation coverage for Australian seafarers serving on ships engaged in inter-state, territory or international trade and commerce. The Seafarers and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2016 seeks to introduce a new test to clarify the coverage of the Seacare scheme, partly in response to the Federal Court’s decision in Samson Maritime Pty Ltd v Aucote [2014] FCAFC 182. For further information on the proposed changes click here.

HWL Ebsworth’s National Transport team specialise in all aspects of wet and dry shipping and regularly assist ship owners with their obligations under maritime, insurance, corporate, commercial and trade law. For further information please contact a member of our team.