General and special limitation of liability for maritime claims in the recent decisions of foreign courts

Tema rada je proučavanje tumačenja i primjene međunarodnih propisa o općem i posebnom ograničenju odgovornosti za pomorske tražbine u novijoj sudskoj praksi. U uvodnom dijelu objašnjava se gospodarska i pravna svrha instituta ograničenja odgovornosti te se daje prikaz njegova uređenja na međunarodnoj razini. Naglašava se njegova ključna uloga u razvitku brodarstva i međunarodne trgovine. Kritički se analiziraju novije ilustrativne odluke stranih sudova u kojima su protumačene i primijenjene nerijetko dvojbene odredbe međunarodnih ugovora kojima je uređena ova materija. Iznose se zaključci o trenutnoj kvaliteti pravnog uređenja toga instituta, uočavaju tendencije njegova budućeg razvitka te predlažu mjere potrebne za njegovu daljnju nadogradnju.The paper discusses recent judicial practice dealing with the interpretation and application of international treaties regulating general and special limitation of liability for maritime claims. The introductory chapter explains the economic and legal purpose of this institute. It also gives an overview of the conventions and protocols regulating this subject at the international level. The great importance of this institute regarding the development of shipping and international trade is particularly emphasized. Recent court decisions related to the interpretation of the controversial provisions of international treaties governing this matter have been critically analyzed. The author presents his own conclusions about the current quality of the legal regulation of this institute, observes the tendencies of its future development, and proposes the necessary measures for its further upgrade