Ratifying the Rotterdam Rules: Risks For Shippers In The UAE

The Rotterdam Rules, a recent United Nations Convention on the carriage of goods by sea, as yet, is unsigned and unenforced by many Arab countries including the UAE. The question exists as to whether ratifying the convention is unfavourable for Arab countries given the nature of trading activity in the Arab region.

International agreements and conflicts of interest for signatory states

In maritime conventions, conflicts of interest commonly arise amongst shippers and carriers, and the countries respectively carrying out these activities. Shipping countries, predominantly made up of Arab countries, generally do not own large fleets or major shipping lines to undertake maritime transport, relying instead on import and export operations. Wealthier western countries on the other hand i.e. Europe, America, China, etc. commonly do own fleets and major shipping lines for the transportation of goods from country to country.