Maritime Environment Policy and Law

Authorities in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, have closed all beaches until further notice following an offshore oil spill, as neighbouring Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah also impose coastal restrictions.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched Blue Solutions, a new project to accelerate maritime decarbonization, support green port development, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across Southeast Asia.

The Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD), based in Singapore, has launched a new ship carbon capture calculator to help shipowners assess how onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) could reduce their EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) compliance obligations.

Singapore has proposed amendments to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore Act 1996 to strengthen maritime cybersecurity, improve port safety and address emerging risks from digitalisation, autonomous vessels and increasingly complex port operations.

Two juvenile humpback whales stranded on sandbars off New York’s Fire Island returned to open water after a coordinated marine wildlife rescue response involving the US Coast Guard and several conservation and government agencies.

Arctic sea ice reached its annual minimum for 2026 on September 12, highlighting continued changes in the polar region and their growing importance for shipping, navigation and the wider maritime industry.

The World Shipping Council (WSC), in partnership with HUB Ocean, has launched a digital version of its WSC Whale Chart, giving the global shipping industry easier access to information on measures designed to protect whales from vessels and strengthen maritime safety and environmental protection.

Maritime officials from across Asia strengthened their capacity to implement flag State obligations, maritime regulations and safety oversight during an IMO regional workshop held in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam, from 21–25 September 2026.

The IMO Biofouling Convention is taking shape as IMO member states negotiate what would become the first legally binding global convention on biofouling management.

World Maritime Day 2026 is highlighting the critical importance of maritime safety, shipping regulations, maritime security and regulatory compliance as the global shipping industry faces growing geopolitical risks and disruption to international trade.

Seafarer training, maritime safety and professional competence were at the centre of discussions as maritime experts examined how the shipping industry can prepare crews for alternative fuels and new technologies.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Research and Development (R&D) Forum has concluded in Singapore.

The China Arbitration Summit 2026 and China High-level Dialogue on Maritime and Commercial Arbitration were held in Beijing on September 18.

Thailand has reaffirmed maritime boundary delimitation as the key focus of its ongoing UNCLOS proceedings with Cambodia.

Cambodia and Thailand will begin formal UNCLOS maritime conciliation talks in Singapore from September 14–16, marking the first formal stage of an international process aimed at peacefully resolving their longstanding overlapping maritime claims.