Liability of Ship Owners for LNG Spills in Iranian Law
Subject Areas : Maritime law
Keywords: Civil liability, LNG leakage, shipowners, environmental damage compensation, Iranian maritime law ,
Abstract :
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG¹), as an emerging and strategic energy source in the maritime transport industry, despite its economic and environmental advantages, can cause irreversible damage to marine ecosystems and navigation safety in the event of leakage. In Iranian law, LNG leakage from ships is regarded as a novel and complex issue in the realm of civil liability, which, due to legislative gaps, has raised numerous legal questions. This article aims to clarify the foundations and scope of shipowners’ liability in the event of LNG leakage and explores the conditions under which such liability may be mitigated or excluded—such as unforeseen technical defects despite adherence to inspection and maintenance protocols. Furthermore, the role of governmental authorities in compelling shipowners to bear the costs of environmental cleanup, even in the absence of direct fault, is critically analyzed. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method, drawing on statutory law, Islamic jurisprudential principles, and legal doctrines, and concludes by proposing practical solutions for enhancing the civil liability framework within Iran’s maritime transport sector.
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