International Cargo Insurance

International Cargo Insurance will naturally be consulted by marine insurance lawyers seeking an introduction to the relevant principles and practices prevailing and the relevant sources governing or setting out the position in one of the jurisdictions covered. It will further serve as an indispensable point of departure for those engaged in further attempts at regional or international harmonisation. But it will also be of more than passing interest to lawyers seeking an introduction to the general principles of insurance law in the different jurisdictions. After all, the comparative approach is relevant not only when seeking to harmonise different legal systems, but also when grappling with the reform and the improvement or modernisation of a particular municipal system of law. Congratulations are due, then, to John Dunt and his team of contributors for a project innovatively conceived and splendidly realised. JP van Niekerk, Professor of Law, Department of Mercantile Law, School of Law, University of South Africa. This fascinating work sets out with remarkable clarity, the often misunderstood differences that can exist between jurisdictions, and in turn, their application of law in the interpretation of marine cargo insurance contracts. A work such as this is long overdue, considering as it does the reasons why such alternate positions have developed, despite a publicly voiced desire in many circles for harmonization. The authors who have contributed to this new publication, including John Dunt who also edited this impressive work are all, as the clarity of their advice ably demonstrates, leading marine insurance law luminaries in their own countries. The book discusses how cargo insurance law has developed alongside international trade, and how the difference between common and civil law regimes has impacted the evolution of the law in many important respects. Marine cargo insurance law continues to evolve and this book provides an up to date refresher that will be welcomed by all in need of an accurate understanding of current thinking. An example of this is the recent decision in The Cendor MOPU case. Here the Supreme Court has now seemingly harmonised English Law on inherent vice with the position previously adopted in other regimes. This case rightly receives the careful scrutiny and the concise commentary one has come to expect from John Dunt. With the challenging piracy for ransom situation still prevailing in the Gulf of Aden/Indian Ocean, similar treatment is given to the recent Court of Appeal determination of a number of fundamental issues in Masefield AG v Amlin. For anyone involved in international cargo insurance, the United States remains a vital but sometimes uncertain jurisdiction for cargo interests, with tensions evident between federal maritime law and state law. This issue is helpfully discussed in detail with analysis of Wilburn Boat Co v Firemans Fund Insurance Co. and the impact this has had on important decisions since. Following the clear format used throughout this book, Stephen Rible gives a compelling account of the diverse jurisdiction that the United States can be, and brings considerable authority to the topics under review, with commentary supported by comprehensive case and statute referencing. This is a feature that all contributing authors have mirrored with commendable success. The adventure , as a concept in marine insurance receives consideration and although not in the same context, adventure appropriately sums up the captivating journey awaiting the reader of this seminal work, as we are guided through a variety of legal landscapes and decisions. English law and practice is covered in detail first. This is followed by the positions applying in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia, The United States of America, Italy, Germany, France, Norway, The Peoples Republic of China, and South Africa. A final chapter provides the all important comparison analysis summarizing the differences between these jurisdictions as dealt with in detail in earlier chapters. Comprehensive appendices ensure the importance of this book as an essential standalone reference source under John Dunt's able editorship. A failure to understand the different approaches to contract formation and interpretation of coverage can have serious consequences for the uninformed. The difficulty facing anyone involved with marine cargo insurance though is just how to become acquainted with the many international regimes and the sometimes contradictory positions adopted. Without this understanding, contract certainty is readily undone with the scope for attendant uncertainty, poor decisions and unnecessary disputes. This book goes a long way to remedy that difficulty and will equip the reader with the wherewithal to make informed and appropriate decisions. Peter de Boissiere Global Marine Claims Leader - Cargo