Third-Party Liability of Classification Societies: A Comparative Perspective

Classification societies are charged with the technical supervision of maritime shipping to enhance the safety of life and property at sea by securing high te- nical standards of design, manufacture, construction and maintenance of seagoing vessels. Each and every shipping catastrophe caused by a technical defect reminds the maritime world of the central importance of the vessel’s proper technical supervision. Correspondingly, the liability of classification societies has become a particula...