Admiralty Lawyer

As part of the heightened effort to promote security in the ports of the United States, a law was recently passed that greatly affects the ability of foreign nations to quickly ship goods into the country.  The admiralty law basically states that foreign ports must scan every container they ship here, and according to the Los Angeles Business Journal, it’s not a popular decision.

Designed to ensure freight containers aren’t used by terrorists to smuggle weapons or bomb materials into the U.S., the Law on Maritime Cargo Scanning Requirements is shaping up to have a dramatic impact on the global shipping industry, port officials and operators in Europe and Asia say.

Companies that make the giant $5 million X-ray or gamma-ray machines needed to scan shipping containers are anticipating a boom in orders as roughly 700 ports around the world gear up for the U.S. rules, which were signed into law in August but take effect in 2012. Industry analysts say each will have to buy one to 10 of the scanners or stop exporting to the world’s richest market.”

Obviously, more security in regards to foreign goods is a positive step here in the United States.  However, it doesn’t remove responsibility of you’ve been injured at sea if you’ve handled these types of shipments.  If that’s the case, contact an admiralty lawyer at Williams Kherkher to schedule a free initial consultation.  You can do so either by clicking on the link provided or by calling us toll-free at (866) 950-9000.