A study of liabilities of multimodal transport operators in China

Abstract

This article studies the liabilities of a multimodal transport operator under Chinese law. The present legal framework governing the multimodal transport consists of a complex array of laws and regulations. As a consequence, the applicable liability rules, the degree and the extent of the liability of a multimodal transport operator may vary from case to case. In addition, the ratification of the Rotterdam Rules would only contribute to clarification of legal complexities in a multimodal transport case where a sea leg is included. We conclude that there is a need to have a Chinese multimodal transport law which is broad enough in scope to govern the rights and liabilities of all parties involved in multimodal carriage in China.