Rotterdam Rules 2009
On the 23 September it was announced that 16 countries had signed up to support the latest United Nations (UN) convention the Rotterdam Rules, at a signing ceremony in Rotterdam.
T
he Rotterdam Rules are the first rules that will govern the carriage of goods by sea (shortsea
or inland) connecting areas previously served by land transport. Tese rules are a modernisation of maritime law and will replace the Hague Rules (1924), the Hague-Visby Rules and the Hamburg Rules (1978). “The Rotterdam Rules are for the
contracts of maritime carriers of goods and sets conditions in place, with contracts now including inland places,” says Mr van der Ziel, head of the Netherlands’ delegation to UNCITRAL. Te convention lay’s in place the rights
and obligations involved in the carriage of goods in the maritime industry. Te Rules are expected to bring more clarity for who is responsible and liable for what, when, where and to what extent when it comes to travelling by sea. “Te primary liability will still be with
the maritime carrier, but if a sub-contractor is used then this can also mean liability is with them as well,” says Mr van der Ziel. However, he points out that: “It
doesn’t apply to all. It is only applicable to maritime sub-contractors that are assisting the vessel, for instance when loading and unloading. It excludes inland sub-contractors.”
The Rotterdam Rules will modernise the maritime inland transport industry. Te Rotterdam Rules needs 20 countries
to ratify the convention to bring it in to force. To date, a further three countries have signed the convention, bringing the total up to 19 countries that have signed the convention, with further countries showing an interest in signing the convention. Mr van der Ziel notes though: “Tat it is
wise to point out that signing and ratifying a convention are two different actions.
Tat to ratify a convention would involve governments making legislation in their countries to enforce the convention. With the signing of the convention it still may take a couple of years to ratify.” It is further hoped, however, that by
adopting the Rules it will boost world trade conducted by sea by 80% and create a more efficient manner in which, contracts and documentation are handled. NA
The only way to be really sure ....
ABC audited circulation 12,017 January - December 2008
ABC provides credible, verified information critical to the media buying and selling process by conducting independent, third-party audits of print circulation, readership and web site activity.
The Naval Architect November 2009 61
Feature 3
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68