Abstract

This research critically analyzes the carrier's liability under international carriage of goods by sea, focusing on the Rotterdam Rules and their implications for global shipping laws. The study explores the evolution of maritime conventions, including the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules, and highlights the challenges of achieving uniformity in a fragmented legal landscape. The paper examines the basis of liability, burden of proof, and the carrier's obligations, emphasizing the significant yet evolutionary changes introduced by the Rotterdam Rules. Special attention is given to provisions such as Article 17, which redefines the distribution of liabilities and the carrier's responsibilities for multimodal transportation. This work also evaluates controversial aspects like the removal of the "nautical fault" exception and its impact on modern shipping practices. Through a doctrinal methodology, the study contributes to understanding the advancements and limitations of the Rotterdam Rules while assessing their potential to become the dominant international liability system.

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