The UAE has introduced a new maritime law, Federal Decree-Law No
43 of 2023, which will enter into force by the end of March
2024.
The previous maritime law has raised many points of discussion
and disagreement, and we can even say confusion, in the past years.
The new maritime law has addressed many of those issues.
REGISTRATION OF VESSELS
The new law has introduced many amendments to the vessels
registration rules.
We have a new registration authority, the law expanded the scope
of eligibility for registration and more vessels can now fly the
UAE flag; in addition, it's now possible to register
under-construction vessels and chartered vessels.
Under the new maritime law, the Ministry of Energy and
Infrastructure shall create a "Ship Register" to record
ships, while under the repealed maritime law, the Maritime
Inspection Department at the Ministry of Transportation had the
jurisdiction to register vessels.
