(NEWS) The “Ever Given” - A Legal Status Update Webinar

July

2021

The “Ever Given” - A Legal Status Update Webinar

On 22 July, the World Maritime University (WMU) hosted a webinar entitled “The “Ever Given” - A Legal Status Update”. The containership “Ever Given” made global headlines in March 2021 when it ran aground in the Suez Canal and blocked all inbound and outbound traffic for six days.

The ramifications from the Ever Given incident are far reaching and will have a lasting impact for many years to come. The legal repercussions are equally significant. Following the successful refloating of the ship, it was officially detained for more than three months under the order of the Egyptian court. The detention of the ship also affected the cargo on board. The protracted civil proceedings to lift the arrest of the ship and cargo were due to the diverging views of the Parties involved concerning questions of liability for the grounding and financial compensation. Above all, the details of the financial security to be provided to the Suez Canal Authority were disputed. Eventually, the Parties succeeded in signing a release deal - the terms of which are subject to strict confidentiality by the parties.

The webinar was led by WMU Professor George Theocharidis and Associate Professor Henning Jessen who provided a legal status update and objective overview of the proceedings that unfolded in the aftermath of the “Ever Given” incident, i.e. between March 2021 and the delivery of the webinar in July 2021. Topics addressed included salvage, general average, ship arrest to enforce maritime claims, the role of the Suez Canal Authority (incl. the applicable Suez Canal Rules of Navigation), limitation of liability proceedings, insurance-related matters and further potential claims for delays resulting from the long detention of the ship.

Over 670 participants from 58 countries registered for the event that was open to the general public. To access the recorded webinar, click here.‍

About the WMU Alumni Webinar Series‍

The Knowledge for Life WMU Alumni Webinar series was launched in 2019 with the aim of keeping WMU graduates connected with the cutting edge research and work of WMU faculty. Many of the webinars are open and available to the public. WMU Alumni Webinar available video links are provided below.

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Maritime Governance: Contextual Factors affecting Implementation of IMO Instruments

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My research explored the theoretical foundations of governance, placing a particular emphasis on maritime governance. Going beyond mere theoretical frameworks, the study conducted a comprehensive examination of a crucial aspect within maritime governance—specifically, the implementation of International Maritime Organization (IMO) instruments, exploring the contextual factors that affect the implementation process. Applying the grounded theory methodology, the research aimed to understand these theoretical underpinnings, as well as firmly anchor insights in the practical context of maritime governance; unveiling the intricacies and challenges associated with the effective implementation of IMO instruments in the maritime domain. The selection of this topic was motivated by a personal interest that was cultivated during my Master’s studies in maritime law and policy. Furthermore, it was driven by the recognition of a scarcity of scientific research on this specific topic. This gap in the existing body of knowledge served as a catalyst for my exploration, underscoring the significance of contributing valuable insights to an area of maritime governance that has been relatively underrepresented in scholarly research.

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Embarking on my professional path, my foremost aim is to establish myself as an authority in the field of maritime governance. I aspire to leave a significant and enduring mark on the global maritime landscape. Beyond the academic sphere, my drive is fuelled by a passionate interest in pursuing diverse opportunities within the maritime domain and the broader educational sector and contributing significantly to positive transformations in the global maritime sector.

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