Knowledge Pack — Maritime Law in MENA

International Framework

MENA maritime law is shaped by both national codes and international conventions:

Convention	Subject	Status in MENA
UNCLOS (UN Convention on the Law of the Sea)	Territorial waters, EEZ, seabed rights	All MENA states party or apply customary norms
Hague-Visby Rules	Bill of lading liability (cargo)	Most commonly incorporated via bills of lading clauses
Hamburg Rules (1978)	Bill of lading liability — shipper-friendly alternative	Some MENA states; check per bill of lading
Rotterdam Rules (2008)	Modern cargo liability	Limited ratification globally; not widely in force in MENA
SOLAS	Ship safety	All major MENA states party (IMO members)
MARPOL	Vessel pollution	All major MENA states party
MLC 2006	Maritime Labour Convention	UAE, Egypt, Lebanon party; KSA limited
ISM Code	International Safety Management	Applies to international-trading vessels
York-Antwerp Rules	General average	Incorporated by contract into most bills of lading