This timely book examines the reform of maritime law under the influence of environmental principles and the effects of these changes in the legal relationships between maritime stakeholders. Providing an integrated assessment of the use of environmental principles in the governance of shipping and maritime law, it argues that normative barriers supported by short term financial interests, the balance of power between states and the technocratic character of the IMO are delaying necessary changes to support sustainable development and thus endanger the marine environment.

Offering a complete review of the environmental impacts of shipping, Michael Tsimplis analyses the compatibility of maritime conventions with environmental norms, developing a methodology using publicly available documents of the International Maritime Organisation. He discusses what would be required in terms of governance for sustainability in the maritime sector, proposing a number of ways of removing barriers within a strategy of zero discharges, zero emissions, and zero impact.

Scholars and students of maritime and environmental law will find this book's analysis of how environmental principles affect both public and private law aspects of the shipping sector illuminating. It will also be of interest to policy makers and regulators in the maritime and environment sectors looking for an overview of the issues involved in improving environmental performance in shipping.

About the Author
Michael Tsimplis, Professor of Law, School of Law, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR), China

Reviews
'Michael Tsimplis has written a carefully calibrated book that will appeal to a wide range of audiences, all of whom can engage with this study at different levels. He has assembled the many relevant and related materials astutely to produce a comprehensive yet balanced treatment of the conjunction between environmental norms and the main elements of maritime law. Tsimplis has provided a great service to all of us who work in related legal areas and cognate disciplines. This major effort is a true success and fully deserves to be commended to all legal academics and practitioners interested to know how environmental norms are being integrated within other fields of law across the entire discipline.' -- David M. Ong, The IUCN AEL (Academy of Environmental Law) Journal of Environmental Law
'This is an important book, which deals with a key question of our time - whether the norms designed to ensure environmental protection and environmental sustainability of maritime transport are fit for purpose. To answer this question, the author draws on his unique multidisciplinary background and insights as both a Professor of Maritime Law and renowned Oceanographer, who understands the marine environment and its interactions with shipping better than most. [...] The book is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in maritime law and the environment and makes a genuine contribution to the field.' -- Regina Asariotis, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Geneva, Switzerland



Book Information
ISBN 9781839107313
Author Michael Tsimplis
Format Hardback
Page Count 336
Imprint Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd
Publisher Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd