Exxon Valdez Put to Rest
The most anticipated maritime law decision in recent years has been the decision in June 2008 by the U.S. Supreme Court that reduced the award of punitive damages against Exxon from $2.5 billion to $500 million. After nearly 20 years of litigation against Exxon and the captain of its vessel, the case is finally at an end. For those who practice maritime law or are guided and affected by it, the most obvious ramifications of the Court’s decision are that punitive damages may be awarded against a shipowner…
Grasso Elected President WISTA USA
At its annual general meeting in in May, Jeanne M. Grasso was elected President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) . As President of WISTA USA, Ms. Grasso will serve as a member of the six-person elected board, which includes: Vice President Linda Turnbow (Ocean Shipholdings, Inc.); Treasurer Kathleen Haines (formerly of OMI Corporation); Membership Secretary Parker Harrison (American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc.); Recording Secretary Julie D. Kuchta (Bowen, Miclette & Britt); and National WISTA Association liaison, Mary T. Reilly (Hill, Betts & Nash, LLP). Grasso, a respected and active member of the maritime community, has held leadership positions in various maritime organizations.
Proposed & Interim Rules
This Customs Service document proposes to amend the Customs Regulations to provide for the temporary landing in the U.S. of vessel equipment in need of repair, without requiring entry of that equipment under a Temporary Importation Bond (TIB). It is proposed such equipment be permitted to be landed for repair and relading aboard the same vessel, subject to Customs issuance of a special permit or license for the landed equipment, under an International Carrier Bond. Uncertainty exists whether the relading of repaired equipment on vessels departing the U.S. would satisfy the TIB requirement that such merchandise be exported. The proposed amendments will eliminate this uncertainty while still allowing Customs adequate control over such unladings and ladings.
