Sanctions: case study – an American perspective, by George Chalos

by John Faraclas,

Valetta, Malta: On October 10, 2024, George M. Chalos, Esq., principal and founder of the US-based Chalos & Co law firm, riveted the packed house of delegates attending the Malta Maritime Summit with a practitioner’s look into the rise to prominence of the United States in the maritime industry despite a seemingly invisible presence on the ocean and its robust port state law enforcement practices, including prosecutions of suspect Marpol violations and sanctions violations. 

The message was clear that education, training, and compliance practices in the ever-changing landscape of complex regulations are necessary and questioned whether the US enforcement efforts over foreign nationals conducting business abroad with seemingly no connection to the United States is beyond the bounds of what the rule of law and international comity allow. 

Chalos discussed the increasing geo-political hostilities arising from tit-for-tat vessel and cargo seizures and recounted various cases with lengthy detentions of vessels and crew while calling upon industry leaders to always ensure the fair treatment of seafarers.  He encouraged restraint and common sense by port state sovereign authorities arguing ‘there’s no reason to impose lengthy and limitless detentions in the pursuit of potentially holding one or two to hold wrongdoers accountable.  The ends don’t justify the means and it’s like using a sledgehammer when a fly swatter will do. It’s just wrong.