United nations convention on contracts for the international carriage of goods wholly or partly by sea - a clear and reasonable advance for modern trade

This article covers the legal amendments and potential impact of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (hereinafter referred as the Rotterdam Rules or the Convention), with a focus on carriers' business. The Rotterdam Rules, if and when in force, will bring significant changes to the businesses of those involved in the shipping industry, in particular to the core of global shipping – carriers. The vast scope of the upcoming changes could affect carriers' business at all levels. The first part covers a short overview of legal document governing the researched subject. The second part is focused on the novelties in Carrier‘s liability contained in the Rotterdam Rules along with container carriage, recognition of electronic trade and freedom of contracts. The conclusion draws that these novelties will lead to transparency and predictability in doing business internationally.