Kate Lewins

Ships are major contributors to global emissions of air pollutants, with their health and environmental effects being of particular concern in port cities and heavily populated coastal areas adjacent to major shipping lanes. This paper outlines the international regulations tackling two such ship pollutants, being oxides of sulphur (SOx) and particulate matter (PM). In order to understand the current regulatory strategy, it reviews the health and environmental impact of these emissions. The paper then addresses the 2020 sulphur cap on marine fuel imposed by MARPOL and its potential efficacy in reducing the health and environmental effects of shipping emissions. Examples of differing regional and national regulation of sulphur and PM are presented and discussed. The article questions whether the current international regulatory framework directed at reducing sulphur emissions from ships is an appropriate means to reduce PM emissions.

Australia is considering whether to accede to the Athens Convention relating to the Carriage of Passengers and their Luggage by Sea 2002 (Athens 2002), an international convention that seeks to standardise the legal regime applicable to passengers carried by sea. (1) This is a welcome development; the author has long advocated for it. (2) While Athens 2002 is a compromise, it would benefit Australian consumers in a number of ways. (3)

This Article focuses on the significant decisions of Australian courts between November 2015 and November 2016. It aims to provide readers with an insight into Australian admiralty and maritime law and its development over this period. (1) It has undoubtedly been the case in most jurisdictions over the past few years that the courts have been occupied with the consequences of the collapse of international shipping conglomerates.