Emergency Contact An Insurer’s Guide to the Key Changes in the UAE’s New Maritime Law - UAE Federal Decree No. (43) of 2023 Home Latest updates News An Insurer’s Guide to the Key Changes in the UAE’s New Maritime Law - UAE Federal Decree No. (43) of 2023 19 Aug 2024 View PDF Sign up for alerts The United Arab Emirates' (the "UAE") unique global location makes it an important place for international maritime trade. To encourage trade and smooth operations of vessels calling at UAE ports, the country acknowledges the importance of developing its legal framework to bring it in line with the common international practices we see across the industry. The UAE has now repealed and replaced the previous maritime law, Federal Law No. 26 of 1981 Concerning Commercial Maritime Law (the “Old Law”), with UAE Federal Maritime Law No. 43 of 2023 (the “New Law”). This article will explore how the changes will align the UAE with other international shipping jurisdictions. Some of the key changes include the acceptance of P&I Club security to lift arrests of vessels, amended and shorter time bars in collision and towage claims, the ability to apply limitation and the establishment of limitation funds by the courts. There are also some procedural changes in litigation and the registration of vessels. The Club deals with the UAE region frequently and recognises the importance of highlighting the new changes to Members and the parties we deal with. Who does the New Maritime Law apply to? The decree will apply to all marine structures, ships and maritime means engaging in marine transportation and navigation activities.  This includes ships, floating structures, and offshore platforms.  Ownership and vessel registration of vessels in the UAE Under the New Law there will be a wider scope for qualifying to register a ship in the ship registry by the ministry, however stricter restrictions on a ship’s age will apply. Also, there will be an introduction to a new record called “