The Maritime Law Podcast

Law and Practice of Ship Arrests in Russia - Bulat Karimov 23.06.2025 46m

In this episode, we’re joined by Bulat Karimov, Research Associate at the Centre for Maritime Law at the National University of Singapore, Head of the Young Committee of the Russian Maritime Law Association, and Associate at NAVICUS.LAW (Russia).We dive into Bulat’s recently published paper, “Law and Practice of Ship Arrest in Russia,” exploring the legal framework governing ship arrest in Russia. He breaks down the statutory basis for arrest, how international rules are interpreted and applied in domestic courts, and walks us through the typical stages of a ship arrest case. Bulat also shares insightful judicial statistics spanning five years, from 2020 to 2024, offering a rare empirical look into enforcement trends and case outcomes.

Understanding Ship Sale Transactions - Will Chetwood 09.06.2025 29m

Will Chetwood is a highly respected Senior Shipping Counsel with over 40 years of experience in the maritime legal sector. Recognized by The Legal 500 for his expertise in both dry shipping matters and dispute resolution, Will has built a distinguished career advising on complex shipping transactions and legal challenges across the globe. In this episode, we sit down with Will to explore the intricacies of Ship Sale Transactions. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Will walks us through how these transactions are typically structured and concluded, highlighting key legal and commercial considerations that parties must keep in mind.He also sheds light on common challenges that can arise during the process—ranging from contractual pitfalls to regulatory hurdles—and how these can impact the outcome of a deal.To wrap up, Will shares what has kept him passionate about transactional work in shipping over the years. He offers valuable insights into the skills and mindset needed to thrive in this niche but vital area of maritime law.

Changing the Course: Engineer to Surveyor - Dorcas Jonah 01.04.2025 47m

In this episode we speak to Dorcas Jonah from Nigeria, who is a qualified Marine Engineer and Surveyor. She is also an advocate for women in the industry and serves on various platforms as a mentor and an ambassador of change.She speaks to us about her journey from being a Marine Engineer to a Marine Surveyor and what both these designations entail from a practical perspective. Dorcas also shares with us the challenges she experienced and the mindset she had in overcoming them.In conclusion, she shares pearls of wisdom with the upcoming experts with an interest in marine engineering and surveying.

Journey to being a Marine Engineer - Sabelo Hadebe 24.03.2025 42m

On this episode we speak to a returning guest, Sabelo Hadebe who speaks to us a qualified Marine Engineer.The episode touches on the process of preparing for his exams with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and tips on how to ace those exams.He speaks about the importance of structuring your study schedule, consulting with mentors, and working with a partner. Sabelo highlights how these have been fundamental in him acing his exams.

Shipping Casualties: The role of a South African Lawyer - Lana Stockton 24.09.2024 39m

We are joined by Lana Stockton, a Partner at Bowmans Law based in Cape Town, in their Shipping and Logistics department. Lana speaks to us about the role of a shipping lawyer when there has been a casualty, and expands on the tasks that they carry out on behalf of their clients, as well as how they interact with other involved parties. The conversation also touches on the skills set that one ought to have, which includes multitasking and networking. In conclusion, we speaks about the role of mentorship and eradicating entry barriers in the industry.

The importance of the Oceans Economy - Odwa Mtati 23.09.2024 47m

In this episode we speak to the CEO of the South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI), Mr. Odwa Mtati about the development of the Oceans Economy. Mr. Mtati speaks on the three objectives of SAIMI, namely Advocacy, Research & Innovation, and Education & Training. He expands on how the three have been utilised in the industry to advance conversations about Oceans Economy, and its subsequent development. The conversation also explored the role of the State and various stakeholders in ensuring that South Africa as a whole invests is a well performing maritime State.

Maritime Law Practice in India - Hari Narayan 08.09.2024 46m

In this episode we speak to Hari Narayan, a Partner and Maritime Lawyer at United Maritime Law Chambers in India. Hari speaks to us about the practice of maritime law in India, and takes us through some of the provisions of key maritime legislations. The discussion touches on the history of Admiralty Jurisdiction in India, as well as the introduction of the 2017 Admiralty Act. In conclusion, Hari shares some advice for aspiring maritime lawyers in India.

Navigating the complexities of the Maritime Industry - Monica Kohli 19.08.2024 45m

In this episode, Monica Kohli who is a Senior Lawyer at Gard P&I speaks to us about her legal journey in the maritime industry. The conversation focuses mainly on her work with various Associations in the industry that seek to promote diversity and transformation in in the shipping industry. She speaks about the work she does with WISTA UK in supporting and training women in the industry, as well as with the IMA. Monica also shares some tips for those interested in joining the industry and how they can make themselves stand out.

The Regulation of Competition in the Shipping Industry - Palesa Mpe 08.07.2024 48m

In today’s episode we speak to Palesa Mpe, a Senior Associate at Fasken in their Competition team based in Johannesburg. Palesa gives us a brief introduction on what is competition and how that’s regulated, she then proceeds to explain how that looks like in the shipping industry. The conversation touches on different shipping markets, how shipping companies compete, and how competition law is applied in shipping law. We also touch on anti-competitive behaviour observed in the shipping industry.

Maritime Arbitration: London vs Singapore - Wole Olufunwa 24.06.2024 49m

In this episode we speak to Wole Olufunwa, a Partner at Wikborg Rein in Singapore. Wole takes us through the arbitration process in the maritime industry and explains the very essence of arbitration. He further outlines the differences between the London Maritime Arbitration Association and the Singapore Chamber of Maritime Arbitration. Wole also shares with us areas of development that he believes should be considered in ensuring that the there are no practices that would cast doubt on the impartiality of the arbitration proceedings .

Ship Arrests: The South African Law Perspective - Gavin Fitzmaurice 07.06.2024 47m

In this episode we talk to Gavin Fitzmaurice who is a Partner in the Shipping Law department at Webber Wentzel in Cape Town about the South African law perspective on ship arrests and associated ships. Gavin explains what it means to arrest a ship and how to procedurally and practically do it. He also explains what circumstances necessitates the arresting of ships and when will a court refuse to grant an order to arrest a ship.

Sanctions Regulations in the Shipping Industry: Akshay Misra 24.05.2024 1h 2m

In this episode we chat with Akshay Misra, a Managing Associate at Pennington Manches Cooper LLP on sanctions regulations in the shipping industry and the impact they have on sanctioned countries, entities and individuals.

The Seafarers’ Perspective: In conversation with Thembela Taboshe (Master Mariner) 08.03.2024 1h 29m

In commemorating International Women’s Day, Thembela speaks about her experience and journey in the Maritime industry as a woman. She is frank and open, leaves no stone unturned and expresses her views with so much passion. She also touches on the differences between a Captain and a Master Mariner.

The Seafarers’ Perspective: In conversation with Lineo Monoana (Third Officer) 27.02.2024 1h 13m

In this episode, Lineo speaks to us about her journey from on board a ship, to being a Nautical Superintendent, and back to sea as a 3rd Officer. She also takes us through challenges and lessons of being a female seafarer.

The Seafarers’ Perspective: Capt. Sabelo Mdlalose (Harbour Master). 31.01.2024 41m

In conversation with Capt. Mdlalose, the Harbour Master at the Port of Durban about his career journey, what it is he does, and laws regulating his industry.

The Seafarers’ Perspective: In conversation with Sabelo Hadebe, a Marine Engineering Cadet. 15.10.2023 1h 1m

In this episode we discuss the world of shipping from a Marine Engineering Cadet’s perspective. We talk about the journey to qualification, the challenges, achievements, and lessons. We also talk about MARPOL and other legal instruments regulating Marine Engineers.

What about sanctions regulations? 28.08.2023 18m

In this episode we discuss what are sanctions, how do they work, and how to avoid being in violation of them.

Understanding the concept of Marine Insurance. 07.02.2023 35m

In this episode Prof Portia takes us through the concept of Marine Insurance and explains what it is, its purpose, as well as various branches of Marine Insurance. The discussion also touches on the inland carriage and its relation with Marine Insurance.

Next Level Multimodal Transportation 08.04.2022 25m

Sharon and Prof. Portia discuss what is Multimodal Transportation and also look at the recent developments in the Maritime and Aviation sectors and how one of the largest Shipping Company in the world has expanded its offering to Air Freight.

Autonomous ships 11.03.2022 34m

In this episode, we discuss the introduction of Autonomous Ships in the Maritime industry.