The Rotterdam Rules Motion

This House recognises:

(1) The Rotterdam Rules, officially known as the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea, provide a modern and comprehensive legal framework for regulating international shipping and trade, whereby these rules aim to replace outdated conventions such as the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, and the Hamburg Rules.

(2) The Rotterdam Rules, whilst drafted in 2008 and signed in 2009 is not yet in force since requiring a minimum of 20 ratifications to take effect.

(a) Signatories:

(i) Armenia, Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Gabon, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Mali, the Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Senegal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, and the United States

(b) Ratifiers:

(i) Benin, Cameroon, Congo, Spain, and Togo

(3) The United Kingdom currently is neither a signatory or ratifier of the Rotterdam Rules.

(4) The significance of international trade and shipping in the global economy where the ratification of the Rotterdam Rules is a crucial step towards enhancing and harmonising the legal framework governing the international carriage of goods by sea.

This House further acknowledges:

(1) The Rotterdam Rules introduce greater clarity and transparency in international shipping contracts, which are essential in a globalised economy, whereby adopting uniform rules can reduce legal uncertainty and disputes, ultimately leading to a more efficient and predictable trade environment.

(2) The Rotterdam Rules align international maritime law with current trade practices which helps businesses navigate the complex world of international shipping, ensuring that they can confidently engage in cross-border trade without ambiguity.

(3) The Rotterdam Rules strengthen the liability of carriers and provide a fair balance between the interests of shippers, carriers, and consignees to which the improved accountability promotes responsible and safe shipping practices, benefiting all stakeholders.

(4) Establishing clear rules and standards for international shipping, the Rotterdam Rules encourage innovation and investment in the maritime industry, leading to the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation methods.

(5) Harmonised legal framework for international shipping promotes economic growth and facilitates trade, which is particularly important in a globalised world interconnected by supply chains and global markets.

(6) The importance the United Kingdom plays in international trade and maritime commerce, where its actions have significant influence in setting global norms and standards.

Therefore this House urges the Government:

(1) To ratify the Rotterdam Rules in which doing so will contribute to a more efficient and reliable global trade system, benefiting businesses, consumers, and economies worldwide.

(2) To support these rules, paving the way for a future where international shipping is governed by a comprehensive, modern, and balanced legal framework.

(3) To recognise the significance of the Rotterdam Rules in fostering international trade and to take the necessary steps to ensure their swift implementation.

(4) To encourage other signatories to further ratify the Rotterdam Rules.

This Motion was Submitted by u/Waffel-lol LT CMG, Spokesperson for Business, Trade and Innovation, and Energy and Net-Zero on behalf of the Liberal Democrats.

Relevant Documents

“The Rotterdam Rules” - United Nations Convention for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea

Opening Speech:

Deputy Speaker,

As we campaigned on, in our drive to modernise the United Kingdom and bring forth a new wave of innovation and regulatory reform, we are calling for the ratification of the Rotterdam Rules, as a monumental step forward for Britain in the world of maritime law and trade regulation.

The Rotterdam Rules represent a beacon of modernity in an age-old industry. In which they seek to replace outdated conventions like the Hague Rules, the Hague-Visby Rules, and the Hamburg Rules. But why is this change so crucial?

Firstly, these rules are about clarity and predictability in an international trade environment that is more interconnected and complex than ever before. As liberal internationalists, we fully embrace the globalised and interconnected world we live in. However, In a world where goods travel across borders, through multiple carriers, and various modes of transport, ensuring a unified and modern legal framework is paramount. Which is why the Rotterdam Rules bring us that clarity. They bring legal alignment, a bridge between the archaic and the contemporary. In a rapidly evolving global economy, where digitalisation, just-in-time logistics, and containerisation are the norm, our legal standards must keep pace. The Rotterdam Rules do just that, harmonising our laws with the current state of international trade.

Furthermore, the rules enhance liability and responsibility in shipping. Striking a fair balance between the interests of shippers, carriers, and consignees. This is not just about protecting one group; it is about holding all parties accountable, fostering safer shipping practices, and ensuring the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. Building trust and cooperation in the global economy. But it's not just about legalities; it's about fostering innovation. As a party very strongly committed to innovation and development, a clear and consistent framework is provided by the Rotterdam Rules to promote investment in the maritime industry. They encourage the development of more efficient and sustainable transportation methods, which is not just good for business but essential for our planet and addressing climate change.

We are proud to call for a decision that recognises the fundamental role our interconnection plays in our lives as this is about promoting economic growth, facilitating trade, and providing the stability necessary for businesses, both small and large, to thrive. We urge the government to ratify the Rotterdam Rules. Displaying Britain’s long awaited support for these rules, not just for the benefit of businesses but for the prosperity of our entire nation and the global economy. As it stands only 25 nations are signatories with only 5 fully ratifying the treaty. This delay of the agreement cannot go on and we urge the Government to further work to encourage more states to ratify the agreement utilising Britain’s key role in the world stage and in matters of international trade and commerce. Allowing us to build a future of international trade, governed by a comprehensive, modern, and balanced legal framework. Where international trade is efficient, reliable, and underpinned by a rule of law that we can all trust.

This division ends at 10PM GMT on Tuesday 21 November 2023.