A Comparison of the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules: Much Ado About (?)

Article by Robert Force

This Article examines three regimes that regulate the carriage of goods by sea: the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules. It not only compares the texts of these three regimes, but the Article focuses on the differences and similarities of the rules as they may be applied. The author concludes that many apparent textual differences will not necessarily yield different results when applied to common situations involving loss or damage to cargo. The author also notes current efforts of the Maritime Law Association of the United States to introduce significant changes to the United States Carriage of Goods by Sea Act.


About the Author

Robert Force. Niels F. Johnsen Professor of Maritime Law and Director, Tulane Maritime Law Center, Tulane Law School.

Citation

70 Tul. L. Rev. 2051 (1996)