Dana Merkel

About Dana Merkel

Dana Merkel is a maritime lawyer at the law firm of Blank-Rome LLP. Blank-Rome is legal counsel for the U.S. Naval Institute.


Recent Posts By the Author


New U.S. Effort in Strait of Hormuz Echoes Past Clashes with Iran

New U.S. Effort in Strait of Hormuz Echoes Past Clashes with Iran

The expeditionary mobile base platform ship USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) transits the Strait of Hormuz, Oct. 22, 2018. Puller is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points. US Navy photo.

Vice Adm. Michael Gilday spoke on Wednesday during his confirmation hearing about ongoing efforts to ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Read More

Keeping Up With the Jones Act

Keeping Up With the Jones Act

World War II Merchant Marine recruiting poster.

In the last several weeks, the Jones Act has drawn headlines over how it has shaped the U.S. and worldwide shipping industry. After almost 100 years as a part of federal law, there’s much misunderstanding as to what the law actually does. Read More