NEW MARITIME LAW

April 2013
The new Maritime Law has been brought into force. The  previously applicable maritime law which goes back to  the ADHGB of 1861, has been restructured, condensed and modernized. Legal institutions such as the shipping partnership and  ship’s protest proceedings were abolished and nautical fault and fire as liability exclusion have been removed from the law. Instead, the opportunity was created, to add the latter through terms and conditions again to the contract. Bareboat and time charter are now regulated by law. The legislature has included the executive carrier into the maritime law. The possibility of the ship’s arrest was agreed to dramatically. In addition, the law which introduced the maritime law led to some important changes in the general transport law. Whether the reformation of maritime law will lead to a substantial change in the legal practice remains to be seen.

We happily advise and train your staff regarding this new law. Contact us!