Informa Professional

Praise for the Shipping and the Environment, 2nd Edition

"The environmental aspects of shipping are central to its public image and have made it one of the world’s most heavily regulated industries.  
As set out in this book, many legal changes of the last decade have been stimulated by the very unfortunate oil spills which resulted from the loss of the tankers Erika and Prestige off France and Spain in 1999 and 2002.   Some of these changes have been for the better but others have not.  Improvements have been made through development of international regimes to which much of this book is devoted.  Given these advances it is, as the authors note, both sad and ironic that their final chapter, on criminal liability for pollution from ships, is also their longest.  This is a measure of concerns not only that a small minority of operators have yet to adopt proper shipboard waste management practices, but also that the resulting public sentiments have been misdirected into criminalization of seafarers caught up in genuine accidents.
Attitudes towards the industry which lie behind this demoralizing threat – and likewise behind proposals to penalize it for carbon emissions resulting from the growth of global trade – represent an unfortunate trend which all concerned in the international maritime community will be keen to reverse.  
Shipping and the Environment is not just a reference work on the relevant international and US laws.  It also explains the background and thinking behind them, and both sides of the controversies surrounding unilateral measures. Written by practitioners closely involved in modern legal changes, this book will be helpful to all who seek a wider understanding of the important global issues of our time."
Epaminondas G.E. Embiricos, Chairman, Greek Shipping Co-operation Committe

"The marine environment faces many challenges. This excellent book helps us address some of the most pressing ones associated with the maritime sector. However the causes of these problems and their solutions are more complex than is commonly realized.  Credible proposals for change require knowledge of many issues, of international liability and regulatory regimes, industry practice and the roles of various governmental and non-governmental bodies as well as commercial interests.
Shipping and the Environment is a comprehensive book on the law and practice in these important areas.  Written by two experienced practitioners, it is recognized not only as a leading reference work for experts but also as a clear and practical text for a wide international readership of lawyers and non-lawyers alike.
In my work for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature IUCN, this book is an essential tool."
Carl Gustav Lundin, Head, Marine Programme, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

"Colin de la Rue and Charles Anderson are to be congratulated for their new edition of this most important reference book.
There is much in this book which is of particular relevance to the salvage industry, as each year marine salvage companies render services to marine casualties carrying on average a total of about one million tonnes of potential pollutants.  That is one reason why Lloyd’s Form matters covered within the book are of considerable public as well as commercial importance.
In addition the book deals with the concerns that can arise for salvors from not only operational risks, but also legal risks, not least of which is their exposure to possible criminal proceedings in pollution cases.
This 2nd Edition of Shipping and the Environment covers all aspects of this important topic, and it is a topic that becomes of greater relevance as each year passes.  It is a reference book that will undoubtedly assist anyone whose activities are concerned with ship operations, marine salvage, marine insurance and maritime law, as well as maritime authorities and legislators."
Michael J. Lacey, Secretary General, International Salvage Union

"ITOPF refers to the 1st edition of “Shipping and the Environment” as the “Green Bible” in recognition of the comprehensive and authoritative coverage of key issues, and the fact that it is written in a style that makes it accessible to readers from various disciplines and nationalities, not necessarily having a legal background. Settle down with a cup of coffee and read around a subject of particular interest for a few moments and you will find that you have not only acquired a much better understanding of your original query, but also of the history and impetus for development of the international and US regimes. Ample illustration of legal text using practical examples and experience ensures this reference is as interesting as it is credible. ITOPF looks forward to having the 2nd edition in its library, no matter what colour the cover! "
Dr. Karen Purnell, ITOPF
Read the full review here

"This new and expanded edition provides an invaluable reference for the international tanker industry and for other readers within shipping and related professions, with comprehensive, informative and practical coverage of many of the key environmental issues for owners and mariners alike. The Chapter on Criminal Liability for Pollution makes compelling reading, including detailed analysis of the international, regional and local complexities, with excellent commentary on the treatment of defendants and the acceptability tests for evidence. This is a “must have” book for the shipping industry."
Dr Peter M Swift, International Association of Independent tanker Owners (INTERTANKO)

"Building on the success of the first edition published in 1998, the excellent updated and expanded second edition provides a uniquely thorough and comprehensive reference work on this increasingly prominent area of public and regulatory focus. New sections include important consideration of pollution liabilities following collisions, issues associated with removal of wrecks and ship dismantling. Insurance is an integral part of, and underpins, the pollution liability and compensation regimes, and the importance of the wide role played by liability insurers is comprehensively addressed in the full chapter devoted to the P & I Club system and throughout the work.
Shipping and the Environment is an invaluable reference work for both newcomers to the subject and experienced practitioners alike."
Andrew Bardot, International Group of P&I Clubs

"For the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, dealing with the consequences of oil pollution from tankers all over the world is our daily work. On the basis of the considerable expertise we have developed in this field over the years, I believe that “Shipping and the Environment” is indispensable reading for all professionals worldwide who deal with ship-source oil pollution. It has been written by internationally-renowned authors with many years of experience in the maritime field and deals comprehensively, authoritatively and in an accessible and user-friendly style with all the key issues. Apart from being an excellent source of information on the subject, it also provides ample food for thought. This largely-amended 2nd edition is highly recommended."
Willem Oosterveen, Director, International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds

"Shipping and the Environment is an indispensable part of our maritime library."
John D. Kimball, Blank Rome LLP, New York

"In summary, the book contains a wealth of material and is a treasure trove of information, evidence of the great expertise and practical experience of the authors in numerous fields of law. The book gives a systematic and comprehensive account of the legal rules and regimes that deal with various aspects of shipping and the marine environment. The authors should be commended for the clear presentation of very complex issues. They also set the legal provisions in their political context. Attention is drawn to preparatory works and court cases that are not easily available. Questions of interpretation of international treaties are discussed in an interesting manner and the position taken by the authors on interpretation issues is balanced and convincingly argued. An excellent index facilitates navigation through this impressive book.
The second edition of this book will, without any doubt, become an indispensable source of reference not only for lawyers but for all those who deal with shipping-related environmental issues."
Måns Jacobsson, Former Director, International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds, London.
Lloyd's Maritime and Commercial Law Quarterly. Read the full review here

"The new edition has improved an already excellent product further. Compiled by the same authors, both very experienced legal practitioners in London and New York, the book not only covers an enormous area in international and US marine pollution law, but also brings the subject up-to-date by addressing the many changes that have occurred in the area in the intervening 11 years.
This book will, once again, become a ‘must-have’ addition to the library of anyone involved in ship operations, shipping law, or the protection of the marine environment. It has been a long period between editions, but it has been worth the wait."
Professor Edgar Gold, QC
Read the full review here;
Shipping Australia, September 2009
Seaways, October 2009


"Like its predecessor, the second edition is written with the needs in mind of the whole international readership. Each chapter has a helpful and clear non-legalistic introduction placing the topic in context...Guernsey can be proud that Colin de la Rue has developed such specialist expertise and international repute in this highly relevant area of law and has produced, in conjunction with his co-author, the standard text in this field."
Shaun Shackleton, Guernsey Press, 8th August 2009


"Shipping and the Environment by Colin De La Rue and Charles Anderson - or the 'Green Bible' as it is respectfully referred to by ITOPF - pulls together the law and practice of pollution from ships into a single, digestible reference. Its second edition, just published, is a timely and valuable update to this complex feild.
The authors clearly demonstrate their knowledge and experience of the subjects by their ability to place current practice in context alongside historical events and to provide an interesting yet coherent linkage between them.
ITOPF has no hesitation in recommending this comprehensive and authoritative publication to readers from any discipline or nationality."
Dr Karen Purnell, Managing Director of ITOPF
Maritime Risk International, June 2009. Read the full review here

Product Menu

• Return to Product Page