Foreign-flagged vessels calling at U.S. ports now face a significant new operational challenge: the Department of Homeland Security has implemented a $1,000 immigration parole fee, effective 16 October 2025, for any non-exempt alien who is paroled into the United States. This includes vessel crew members requiring medical treatment under certain circumstances. In this episode, ShorelineHudson’s Global Policy Advisor Andrew Baskin sits down with our Head of Claims Deborah Stabile to unpack what the new fee means in practice, why parole is now being denied in some cases, and what shipowners must do to protect their crews, avoid unnecessary delays, and stay compliant when trading to the United States.
Confusion reigns in the wake of Washington’s last-minute amendments to the USTR Section 301 maritime measures. In this episode, Captain Thomas Brown and Washington D.C.–based policy advisor Andrew Baskin break down what’s changed, who pays, and why these new U.S. port fees are about far more than economics. From vessel classifications and deferral windows to Pay.gov payment challenges for foreign shipowners, the discussion separates fact from speculation. The episode also unveils how ShorelineHudson’s newly launched USTR Fee Clearing and Payment Service helps operators stay compliant, avoid port delays, and maintain good-faith standing with regulators and charterers alike. If your fleet trades to the U.S., this is essential listening.
This week, the U.S. begins enforcing port fees on Chinese-built, flagged, or operated vessels under new Section 301 tariff measures. These fees are assessed against the operator listed on the vessel’s COFR — a fact with far-reaching implications for shipowners, managers, and charterers. In our latest Client Advisory and Podcast (Episode 41), we explain: Who’s now liable for these fees The risks of a cosmetic “operator” name change Contractual and operational steps to take immediately New guidance from CBP, USTR, and legal commentators What to watch for from Beijing in response
In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, Captain Thomas Brown sits down with Hila Sasson, Director of Product Marketing at Windward, to discuss one of the most pressing and least understood risks facing global shipping today: GNSS jamming and AIS spoofing. From phantom port calls and vessels “sailing on land” to entire fleets suddenly losing navigational capability in conflict zones, these invisible threats are already disrupting trade, complicating compliance, and raising the stakes for shipowners worldwide. Listeners will gain: A clear understanding of the difference between GNSS manipulation, GPS jamming and AIS spoofing. Real-world insights into how spoofing patterns correlate with geopolitical tensions in hotspots like the Black Sea, Arabian Gulf, and Mediterranean. Practical steps shipowners and operators can take to protect their fleets and reputations. Whether you’re a shipowner, broker, insurer, or maritime risk professional, this conversation will help you see through the fog of modern navigation risks.
In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, we explore how the maritime sector is confronting the growing challenge of cyber risk with data-driven clarity. Our guests include Rob Vasquez, CEO of Beacon Technologies, Rick Siebenaler, CEO of the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute and academic sponsor of this fully funded research initiative, and Sean Jensen, ShorelineHudson’s cyber expert and program facilitator. Together, they discuss the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute’s vessel cyber risk analysis program powered by CYFAX+ and how it is transforming the way shipowners, operators, and regulators visualize, assess, and act on vessel-level cyber threat intelligence. If you're ready to understand what it truly means to "see the threat," this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Speakers: Rob Vazquez – Beacon Technologies Rob Vazquez is the CEO of Beacon Technology Group and a pioneer in cybersecurity innovation with over 30 years of experience across global IT and data protection. He has led enterprise-scale deployments for multinational firms and is the inventor behind a patent-pending AI-based threat processing system. Rob’s work at Beacon focuses on developing accessible cybersecurity solutions, including the CYFAX+ platform, which supports advanced threat visibility and regulatory compliance. Rick Siebenaler - Maritime Cybersecurity Institute Rick Siebenaler is the CEO of the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing cyber resilience in the commercial maritime sector. With a distinguished background at the NSA, CyberGuard, EY, and Deloitte—holding titles such as Chief Scientist and Global CISO, Rick brings strategic depth to maritime cybersecurity. His leadership is driving the sector toward a more mature, integrated approach to cyber risk management. Sean Jensen - ShorelineHudson Sean Jensen is a cyber threat specialist at ShorelineHudson with a master’s in Homeland Security and expertise in maritime risk assessment. He leads the development and deployment of the AVRA platform, delivering intelligence-driven cyber and physical vulnerability assessments for global port and vessel operations. Certified as a Facility Security Officer and Business Continuity Professional, Sean supports compliance and resilience strategies across the maritime domain.
The countdown is on - in this critical episode, your host, Captain Thomas Brown sits down with ShorelineHudson’s cybersecurity lead Mike Malito to unpack the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Final Rule on Cybersecurity, a sweeping update to the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) that mandates a national baseline for cyber readiness across all regulated U.S. ports and terminals. With the July 2025 deadline fast approaching, this episode delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for compliant facilities. From identifying a cyber officer to rolling out mandatory staff training, conducting risk assessments, and drafting a compliant cyber plan, Mike breaks down exactly what’s required, and how ShorelineHudson’s PortLogix™ and Acrisure’s Cybersecurity Blanket can help facilities of all sizes comply without breaking the bank. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most significant regulatory shifts in U.S. port security.
In this follow-up to episode 36 of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, Captain Thomas Brown is joined again by U.S. trade policy expert Andrew Baskin to unpack the now-finalized U.S. port fee regime targeting Chinese-linked vessels. With tariffs topping $1 million per voyage in some cases, strategic exemptions, and geopolitical backlash brewing in Beijing, we explore how this policy is already reshaping vessel operations, trade alliances, asset values — and possibly the future of American shipbuilding. From rerouted cargo to retaliatory threats, this episode dives deep into the policy’s impact and the unintended consequences for shippers, carriers, and global trade at large.
As U.S. policymakers reconsider controversial port fees targeting Chinese-built ships, uncertainty still looms for shipowners, charterers, and global supply chains. In this episode, Captain Thomas Brown speaks with Washington-based policy advisor Andrew Baskin to unpack the latest developments, explore the commercial risks for Far East owners, and explain how time-chartered vessels could be affected. 🎧 Essential listening for anyone trading to U.S. ports with Chinese-built tonnage.
In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, Captain Thomas Brown sits down with Tim Gerland, Senior Vice President ShorelineHudson and leading expert on U.S. environmental compliance, to unpack the U.S. Coast Guard’s sweeping update to its Marine Environmental Response Guidelines. 🔍 What’s changed? 💡 Why does it matter for vessel and facility operators? 🚨 How will it affect compliance, preparedness, and response expectations? Whether you manage a fleet, oversee regulatory compliance, or simply want to stay ahead of industry changes, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insights. 🎧 Tune in and get informed on how to navigate the new U.S. environmental regulatory landscape.
Welcome to the Shoreline Maritime Risk Podcast. I'm your host, Captain Thomas Brown, CEO of Shoreline Ltd. Today, I’m joined by Joshua Hutchinson, Managing Director of Intelligence and Risk at Ambrey, the UK’s leading maritime security firm. Ambrey specializes in intelligence-led risk management for shipping, oil and gas, and offshore industries, providing security escorts, armed protection, and operational risk solutions. Joshua brings extensive expertise in maritime security, having led major evacuation and emergency response operations. In this episode, we’ll discuss the rising security threats to merchant shipping, Ambrey’s latest threat assessment, and what shipowners need to know to protect their vessels. Let’s dive in.
In this episode of Shoreline's Maritime Risk Podcast, host Thomas Brown speaks with Rob Vazquez, CEO and founder of Beacon Technologies, about groundbreaking advancements in maritime cybersecurity. Rob shares insights into Beacon’s innovative tools—CyFax and Detect—designed to offer vessels a 360-degree defense against modern cyber threats. Learn how these cutting-edge solutions bring real-time threat intelligence and automated remediation to the maritime industry, making robust cybersecurity accessible to all. Tune in to discover the critical role of continuous attack simulations, adaptive threat intelligence, and proactive security measures to protect vessels from the ever-evolving cyber landscape.
In our latest episode of Shoreline’s Maritime Risk Podcast, we dive into how AI is revolutionizing the maritime industry. Join host Captain Thomas Brown as he chats with Osher Perry, CEO of Shipin Systems, about their groundbreaking AI platform, Fleet Vision. Discover how AI-powered video monitoring and data analytics are improving safety, reducing incidents by 40%, and boosting operational efficiency on vessels worldwide. Whether you’re curious about the tech or eager to explore its tangible impact on shipboard operations, this episode is a must-listen for all maritime professionals! Tune in now to learn how AI is shaping the future of shipping.
In this insightful episode of the Shoreline Maritime Risk Podcast, we dive into one of the most pressing topics facing the shipping industry today: carbon finance. As environmental regulations tighten and market expectations evolve, shipowners and industry stakeholders must navigate the complex landscape of carbon accounting, sustainable finance, and compliance reporting. Join Captain Thomas Brown and Darren Wolfberg, CEO of Triangle Systems Inc., as they explore how carbon finance is impacting the maritime sector. From practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints to understanding the financial implications of non-compliance, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help shipowners turn regulatory challenges into competitive advantages. Whether you're in finance, shipping, or just interested in the future of maritime sustainability, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and align with global sustainability targets, AXA XL's EEI offers a unique insurance solution. Their new product is designed to cover the additional carbon emissions that result from fortuitous events like course deviations to a port of refuge or repairs, by providing indemnity in the form of voluntary carbon credits. We will explore how this insurance product integrates with traditional marine insurance offerings, the process of calculating and verifying carbon credits, and the impact of regulatory changes on the demand for EEI. Hanna will also share insights into the challenges and future developments in the field of carbon offsetting within the shipping industry.
Welcome to the latest episode of Shoreline’s Maritime Risk Podcast, where we dive deep into the crucial issues facing the shipping industry today. In this episode, we tackle the pressing topic of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) compliance and its growing significance in the maritime sector. Our esteemed guests, Anne Katrine Bjerregaard from the Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping and Peter Jameson from The Boston Consulting Group , bring their extensive expertise to the table. They discuss the newly developed ESG Playbook for Shipping, offering invaluable insights into integrating ESG strategies, navigating regulatory pressures, and leveraging technological innovations. Tune in to learn how embracing ESG can not only enhance transparency and sustainability but also drive economic value and operational efficiency for your shipping business.
In this episode of Shoreline’s Maritime Risk Podcast, we delve into Shoreline’s newly launched MDCI Client Protection Scheme. In this episode, Shoreline’s P&I Consultant Simon Swallow puts the questions to Shoreline’s CEO Captain Thomas Brown. Together, they discuss the intricacies of MDCI, its key benefits, how to opt-in to the MDCI Client Protection Scheme, and real-life claims scenarios that highlight the critical importance of MDCI in today's U.S. regulatory environment. Whether you're a vessel operator or simply interested in maritime insurance and compliance, this episode delivers valuable insights and practical advice on safeguarding your operations against unexpected operational costs and legal challenges and expenses in the U.S.. So, tune in to uncover how Shoreline's MDCI Client Protection Scheme is safeguarding the financial interests of ship owners trading their vessels to U.S. ports in the post Dali era of increased PSC scrutiny.
Join us for our latest episode of the Shoreline Maritime Risk Podcast as we sit down with Simon Swallow, our newest consultant and seasoned P&I insurance veteran. With over three decades of experience, Simon delves into the transformative journey of the P&I insurance industry, discussing key changes, technological advancements, and the future of P&I insurance and risk management. This insightful conversation sheds light on the intricacies of P&I insurance and the pivotal role of P&I clubs in the global maritime industry.
In this urgent episode, we confront the alarming rise of drone attacks in crucial shipping lanes. Experts from Reperion join us to dissect the challenges faced by seafarers in the Red Sea and beyond. Discover innovative strategies to shield ships from these airborne hazards and delve into the future of maritime safety amidst growing geopolitical strife and technological warfare at sea. Guests: Andrew Sallay Mr Sallay is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Reperion. He is an entrepreneur who has founded and headed up companies and projects in Asia for over 15 years across B2B enterprise services, Offshore Oil & Gas Services, and Maritime Transport. Most recently, he has worked with several technology start-ups and ventures raising in excess of US$20 million. He gained an MBA from the University of Chicago and his BA from Swarthmore College, USA. Jessie Hamill-Stewart Jessie is a Senior Writer at Reperion, for whom she has written articles relating to maritime cybersecurity, published in The Maritime Executive and Hellenic Shipping News. She is also a Cyber Security (TIPS-at-Scale) CDT (PhD) candidate at University of Bath and University of Bristol, where she researches cyber attacks against space infrastructure. She enjoys public advocacy and has taught undergraduate International Relations seminars. https://reperion.io/
🎙️ Dive into the intriguing world of maritime cyber security with our latest Maritime Risk Podcast episode! Join us as we welcome Professor Stephen McCombie, an esteemed expert with a rich tapestry of experience spanning policing, academia, and the frontlines of cybercrime and digital forensics. In this captivating conversation, Stephen unveils the hidden depths of maritime cyber threats, sharing insights from his groundbreaking research and the development of the Maritime Cyber-Attack Database (MCAD). Discover the shocking realities of cyber-attacks on the high seas today, from NATO ship location spoofing to ransomware incidents that have rocked the maritime industry. Whether you're a cyber security aficionado, maritime enthusiast, or simply curious about maritime cyber threats, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to Episode 25 of Shoreline’s Maritime Risk Podcast and embark on a voyage into the digital unknown – it's an episode you won't want to miss! 🚢💻 Download the MCAD App - Apple GooglePlay Learn more about MCAD
The episode rounds off our short series of educational podcasts which have been recorded to provide our listeners with a deeper understanding of our new MDCI product. In this the final episode we learn from the lifelong professional experience of George Chalos when defending shipowners and their crews before the U.S. courts and speaks to the value of the legal services we have embedded within the MDCI policy. Our listeners are walked through a typical claim scenario and will be left in no doubt why it is important for shipowners and their crews to have recourse to the right help and advice when subject to the rigors an expanded USCG PSC MARPOL investigation in the U.S.