This book offers a fresh perspective on the widely studied field of maritime law by highlighting its historical foundations and comparative dimensions. It gives readers a broad understanding of the evolution of maritime law over time and its application across different legal systems. Each chapter begins with a historical overview, carefully tracing the development of key maritime law concepts to deepen understanding of their modern-day relevance.
The work adopts a thorough comparative methodology consisting of two main strands. The first examines major maritime jurisdictions, with a primary focus on English law, while also incorporating selected legislation and leading case law from other jurisdictions such as the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and China, many of which are not readily available in English. The second strand provides a high-level comparison between common law and civil law traditions.
This book will be of considerable value to legal practitioners in shipping companies, maritime law firms, international shipping organizations, and international traders. It also serves as a practical resource for shipmasters and officers, equipping them with the legal knowledge needed to manage maritime law issues encountered in professional practice. In addition, the book is highly relevant to maritime law scholars and students seeking to develop a deeper understanding of this complex and evolving area of law.
