Cayman Islands – Merchant Shipping Act

Introduction

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2024 (the "2024 Act") came into force on 11 March 2024 and replaced the previous legislation, the Merchant Shipping Act (as amended) (the "Old Act"). The 2024 Act has updated the Old Act to bring the Cayman Islands maritime legislative framework in line with current international standards and requirements and ensures that the jurisdiction remains a leading jurisdiction for the global shipping industry, once again being recognised by the International Chamber of Shipping in the shipping industry flag state performance table 2023/2024.

Whilst there have been significant changes to the Old Act as a whole, many of the key provisions, including in relation to the registration of ships and mortgages over ships, remain largely unchanged.