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New UAE maritime law to be launched in 2020

Abu Dhabi - Will improve maritime operations and give 100% ownership to citizens wanting to own vessel companies

A new draft law that would improve maritime operations in the UAE and gives 100 per cent ownership to citizens wanting to own vessel companies will come into effect next year, a top UAE government official has announced.
The draft law, which is still under review by the Federal Transport Authority-Land and Maritime, is an amendment to Law No.26 of 1981.
Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Balheif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Chairman of the Federal Transport Authority (FTA) - Land and Maritime, on Sunday told a press meeting in Abu Dhabi that the prevailing mindset during the law draft preparation phase was that the new law should not be limited to the boundaries of the current maritime commercial law.
"The law should instead codify the legal rules regulating all forms of utilisation of the state's maritime environment. It should also include direct and indirect support for all industries affecting the growth and development of this vital sector," said Al Nuaimi.
"Accordingly, the new bill is called the 'New Maritime Bill', not the 'New Maritime Commercial Bill'."
The FTA said it had listened to the complaints of the employees in the private and public maritime sector in order to provide solutions thereto and introduce remedial law articles.
According to Al Nuaimi, preparation of the first draft of the law took more than two years, as the FTA was careful to make comparisons between all parts of the law and the laws of the maritime transport advanced states, in order for the texts of the law to mirror the latest developments.
"The FTA has sent the draft of the law to all relevant federal and local authorities, and it held workshops in the regard. Several authorities replied with visuals, and we are still waiting for the replies of the remaining authorities in order for FTA to move forward and complete the remaining constitutional and legal procedures necessary for the promulgation of the law," said Al Nuaimi.
"We expect to complete everything by end of this year and the law will come into effect at the beginning of next year."
The new law, which is being prepared based on a field study on current problems facing the maritime industry, provides a number investment incentives for those who would like to make maritime investments such as the introduction of a full chapter on maritime investment and the incentives of maritime investors. This includes the ability to own maritime companies with full 100 per cent capital, register vessels under the state flag and the establishment of a new maritime development fund to support citizens who want to invest in the maritime sector, whether material or directional and guiding support.
"The new draft law also includes an update for the maritime lien rules to promote investment," said Al Nuaimi. "The law also includes a new dispute settlement system for disputes arising from maritime investment between investors and maritime navigation administrative authorities, through dispute settlement committees in FTA centres within the state.
"It gives effect to the biggest conciliation and arbitration system to accelerate dispute settlement and reduce the pressure on courts."
The articles of the new law include a proposal for the establishment of a maritime navigation chamber to represent the interests of the private sector, such as companies and vessel owners, and for this chamber to become a member of the International Chamber of Navigation.
The law also includes texts that enable the FTA, state ports and other competent authorities to address the problem of the vessels, which are left and abandoned in regional waters, provide greater protection to the rights of seafarers and set out requirements for maritime education and training.
The new bill is consistent with the provisions introduced by the international conventions, which are developing quickly and continuously. It also includes an extensive update of the traditional rules of maritime legislations, such as rules relating to maritime collisions, assistance, insurance and passenger and goods transport.
The law also introduces new provisions as well as definitions for individuals of maritime law, such as maritime agents (ship's agent, shipping agent and transit agent). It also introduces provisions relating to freight forwarders.
- ismail@khaleejtimes.com