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Third-Party Liability of Classification Societies : A Comparative Perspective
Classification societies are charged with the technical supervision of maritime shipping to enhance the safety of life and property at sea by securing high te- nical standards of design, manufacture, construction and maintenance of seagoing vessels. Each and every shipping catastrophe caused by a technical defect reminds the maritime world of the central importance of the vessel’s proper technical supervision. Correspondingly, the liability of classification societies has become a particularly discussed issue over the past years. Their contractual liability is usually limited by general terms and conditions incorporated in the classification rules and cases brought by typical contracting partners of classification societies, such as ship owners and ship yards, are not an issue in the current debate. H- ever, one can note a substantial worldwide increase of actions brought by parties who are not in privity with classification societies. This study focuses on third-party liability of classification societies. It ori- nates in an expert opinion on selected issues relating to third-party liability which the authors compiled for the German classification society Germanischer Lloyd AG. Driven by the highly interesting legal issues and unexplored shores in this area of law
The Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea
Focuses on loss of or damage to goods. There are voluminous discussions and texts on this issue. By contrast, the issue of loss or damage from goods has been paid little attention. Ever-increasing numbers of dangerous goods are carried by sea today. This increase draws attention to explosions or fire on ships, spillages, pollution, accidents and potential danger. Worldwide concern with the risk posed by the increased frequency in the carriage of dangerous goods has led to the adoption of international technical standards to promote maritime safety and the insertion of special provisions in the carriage contracts. Moreover, growing environmental awareness and concern with the economic cost implications of maritime casualties have given rise to the regulation of liability and compensation in respect of damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances.
