Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter for marine clients and contacts. In this edition we:
consider whether injunctions can assist unserviceable and abandoned vessels,
explore a High Court decision on the use of harbour revenue,
investigate the impact of the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 on the marine sector; and
share our 'A Shore Thing: The future of the UK's coastal economies' report.
If there are any topics you would like covered in a future newsletter, please get in touch.
This article looks at the rising challenge of unserviceable and abandoned vessels in harbours and explores whether injunctions could help harbour authorities prevent the problem recurring. We also provide practical considerations for harbour authorities.
Read the article
The Whitby Harbour case highlights the importance of statutory harbour authorities complying with their local harbour legislation, and will be particularly relevant to local authorities operating ports and harbours, as well as other statutory harbour authorities. This article provides key takeaways for statutory harbour authorities.
Read the article
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 introduces key changes to UK data protection law, with most taking effect on 5 February 2026. Aimed at simplifying compliance while supporting innovation, the reforms affect areas such as automated decision-making and data transfers. This article highlights what matters most for marine organisations, including harbour authorities.
Read the article
Our new report with business intelligence company Beauhurst reveals coastal economies are quietly becoming a major driver of growth, investment and innovation. Ports are a growth multiplier, with 42% of coastal localities with a major port classed as growth areas, compared with 19% of non-port coastal localities. Our report challenges the traditional narrative around coastal decline and instead shows a structural shift towards more diverse, investment-ready local economies.
Read the report
Visit our Regeneration Intelligence hub - a dedicated online resource delivering clear, practical legal insight for those shaping the future of places.
From complex planning and consenting through to clean energy and coastal development, we cut through the detail to help you move projects from ambition to delivery.
Access the Regeneration Intelligence hub here
Our next seminar will take place on the morning of 24 November at our London office. The first session will cover coastal development, with the second providing an update on current legal topics affecting ports and harbours, energy in ports and the unregulated occupation of properties. Formal invites to follow - if you'd like to register your interest, please email our events team.
Lara Moore
Partner and Head of the Marine sector
+44 (0)117 321 8097 +44 (0)7736 295582 l.moore@ashfords.co.uk View more
