@article{ART003344889},
author={KWONYONGSU},
title={Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act},
journal={Legal Theory & Practice Review},
issn={2288-1840},
year={2026},
volume={14},
number={2},
pages={13-40}
TY - JOUR
AU - KWONYONGSU
TI - Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act
JO - Legal Theory & Practice Review
PY - 2026
VL - 14
IS - 2
PB - The Korea Society for Legal Theory and Practice Inc.
SP - 13
EP - 40
SN - 2288-1840
AB - On April 28, 2023, Japan enacted the Act Partially Amending the Maritime Transport Act and Related Laws. This legislative reform was driven by two principal factors: (i) the increased emphasis on ensuring maritime transport safety following the Shiretoko sightseeing vessel accident, and (ii) the renewed recognition of the need for Japanese shipowners to systematically secure oceangoing vessels, in light of Japan’s heavy reliance on oceangoing shipping for its imports and exports and the structural changes in its merchant fleet. Accordingly, the amended Maritime Transport Act and related legislation incorporate measures aimed at strengthening maritime safety—such as enhancing operators’ safety management systems and improving the qualifications of seafarers (factor (i))—as well as measures designed to ensure stable international maritime transport, including the introduction of a certification system for plans to secure oceangoing vessels (factor (ii)).
As a country surrounded by seas on three sides and possessing numerous islands, the Republic of Korea likewise places significant importance on maritime transport. In this regard, Japan’s legislative reform, which focuses on both enhancing maritime safety and ensuring stable international maritime transport, as well as the discussions leading to its enactment, provides important implications. In particular, it is necessary to consider institutional improvements that strengthen substantive, prevention-oriented regulation for maritime safety while also encompassing comprehensive measures for the protection of victims. Furthermore, in order to support the national economy and the daily lives of citizens by maintaining stable international maritime transport and competitiveness in the global oceangoing shipping market, continuous institutional reform should be pursued while closely monitoring regulatory developments in leading maritime nations.
KW - Maritime Transport Act;Ocean-Going Shipping;Tonnage Tax System;Special Depreciation System;Merchant Fleet
DO -
UR -
ER -
KWONYONGSU. (2026). Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act. Legal Theory & Practice Review, 14(2), 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. 2026, "Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act", Legal Theory & Practice Review, vol.14, no.2 pp.13-40.
KWONYONGSU "Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act" Legal Theory & Practice Review 14.2 pp.13-40 (2026) : 13.
KWONYONGSU. Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act. 2026; 14(2), 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. "Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act" Legal Theory & Practice Review 14, no.2 (2026) : 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act. Legal Theory & Practice Review, 14(2), 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act. Legal Theory & Practice Review. 2026; 14(2) 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act. 2026; 14(2), 13-40.
KWONYONGSU. "Key Aspects of the 2023 Amendments to the Japanese Maritime Transport Act" Legal Theory & Practice Review 14, no.2 (2026) : 13-40.
