The Rotterdam Rules
An introduction
Upgrade Your Expertise for Less
For years, our Rotterdam Rules Training DVD has been a staple for maritime professionals at £325.00. Today, we are bringing that same high-level expertise into the digital age. Our new online CPD-certified course offers updated content, interactive modules, and instant certification—all for a fraction of the original price. Don’t miss out on our Early Bird special of just £199.00.
The Rotterdam Rules
Online Learning CPD
Move beyond the Hague-Visby and Hamburg Rules. Gain the practical insights needed to navigate the complexities of the UN Rotterdam Rules in today’s digital shipping landscape.
The Rotterdam Rules - Who Needs to Know?
This course is essential for everyone involved in the maritime industry and those global traders necessitating international transportation which may or may not include carriage of goods by sea.
CPD online training for owners, managers and employees of:
Carriers and Shipping Lines - Ocean carriers, ship operators and Logistic providers involved in carriage of goods by sea.
Shippers and Cargo Owners - Exporters, importers, and manufacturers sending goods internationally.
Marine Insurers and P&I Clubs – Underwriters and protection & indemnity clubs insuring maritime risks.
Maritime Lawyers and Advisors – Legal practitioners and in-house counsel specialising in shipping, trade, or insurance law
Banks & Trade Finance Professionals – Banks dealing with letters of credit, trade documentation, or financing international shipments.
Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals – Anyone in the global supply chain who needs to understand liabilities during sea transit.
Law Students & Academics - Students of maritime law or international trade law, educational institutions offering shipping courses.
Government and Regulatory Officials – Policymakers or staff involved in transport regulation or international treaty implementation.
Anyone in the Global Shipping Chain – From port authorities and freight forwarders to charterers and agents,
All stakeholders will find value in this course’s insights.
The Rotterdam Rules
What will you learn?
By the end of this course, you will have a comprehensive overview of the Rotterdam Rules’ principal provisions and concepts, including:
The Purpose Behind the Rotterdam Rules
Why a new convention was needed and the problems it aims to solve.
Scope of Application
When, where, and to which contracts the Rotterdam Rules apply (including the crucial sea leg requirement).
Obligations of the Carrier
The carrier’s duties under the Rules, such as proper ship maintenance (seaworthiness) and care of cargo.
Obligations of the Shipper
The shipper’s responsibilities, including correct cargo documentation and handling requirements.
Carrier’s Liability
The extent of carrier liability for loss, damage, or delay, and the new limits of liability introduced by the Rules.
Freedom of Contract (Volume Contracts)
How parties can opt out of certain Rules through volume contracts, and the safeguards in place.
Delivery and Transport Documentation
Rights and obligations at the point of delivery, and changes to bills of lading and other transport documents.
Electronic Commerce Provisions
Recognition of electronic transport records and how the Rules facilitate modern e-commerce in shipping.
Jurisdiction
The framework for jurisdiction under the Rules (where legal actions can be brought).
Arbitration
How and when parties can arbitrate disputes, and the Rules’ impact on arbitration agreements.
Current Status & Future Impact
Present status of the Rotterdam Rules and their anticipated long-term consequences for global shipping once they take effect.
The course uses real examples and case scenarios to illustrate these topics, ensuring you not only know the letter of the law but also understand its practical effect.
Even if you’re new to some of these concepts, the course’s guided approach will build your knowledge step by step.
The Rotterdam Rules
Learn Direct from the Architects.
Experience presentations and interviews with some of the world’s leading maritime law figures recorded live at the De Doelen Conference Centre and later at the official signing ceremony held at the Van Nelle Design Factory, in Rotterdam September 2009.
Key contributors:-
Francesco Berlingieri (Italy) - Former CMI President
Diego Chami (Argentina) - Legal Expert & Consultant
Charles Debattista (UK) - Esteemed barrister and arbitrator
Philippe Delebecque (France) - Professor of Maritime Law
Tomotaka Fujita (Japan) - Japanese delegation in UNCITRAL
Karl Gombrii (Norway) - President of CMI
Hannu Honka (Finland) - Law expert and former chair UNCITRAL
Kate Lannan (United Nations) - Senior Legal Officer at UNCITRAL
Sergey Lebedev (Russian Fed) - UNCITRAL drafting committee
Kofi Mbiah (Ghana) - Maritime law authority
Michael Sturley (USA) - Professor of Law (University of Texas)
Gertjan van der Ziel (Netherlands) - Prof Erasmus Univesity
Frans Van Zoelen(Netherlands) - Port of Rotterdam Legal Affairs
These experts share their first-hand experiences, interpretations diverse viewpoints cross academia, drafting committees, legal practice and industry – enrich your learning with a 360-degree perspective on the convention adding unmatched authority to the course.
Special thanks to:
Frans van Zoelen (Head of the Port of Rotterdam)
Gertjan van der Ziel (Professor Emeritus of Transport Law-Erasmus University Rotterdam)
Jan de Boer (Senior Legal Counsel), Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment, Netherlands
Kate Lennon (Legal Officer, UNCITRAL)
Karl Gombrii (President CMI)
Rafael Illescas Ortiz (Professor of Commercial Law, Carlos III University, Spain
Minco van Heezen (Press Officer, Port of Rotterdam)
Trainer Profile
Meet the Trainer – Global Legal Expertise You Can Trust
Janci Karri is a UK-qualified solicitor with nearly 20 years of international shipping litigation experience across leading firms including DLA Piper, UK and Al Tamimi & Co, Dubai, UAE.
Janci has represented top-tier clients including P&I Clubs, charterers, ports and banks across the UK, Middle East and Asia. Granted special access by the United Nations to film the Rotterdam Rules signing, Janci developed a CPD-accredited training DVD, previously retailed at Hammicks Legal Bookstore, London and now reimagined in digital format.
Janci has trained UK lawyers via BPP (Europe's largest professional training provider) and spoken at global forums including Lloyd’s Maritime, UK Law Society, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and various corporate events — making her a trusted educator for legal and maritime professionals worldwide.
The Rotterdam Rules represent the future of maritime contracts and multi-modal transportation.
Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your compliance with or expert-led CPD Course.
Why the Price Drop? Same Elite Content, Smarter Delivery.
We have moved our industry-leading Rotterdam Rules training from physical DVD to our new high-performance CPD digital platform. By eliminating the costs of physical manufacturing, storage, and international shipping, we are able to offer the same elite-level technical detail for a fraction of the original price.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, and more. You receive the same high-level technical detail and exclusive interviews with the original architects of the rules. However, the online version has been digitally remastered for better clarity and updated with the latest 2026 industry insights and case studies that weren't available when the DVD was first released.
By moving to a digital platform, we have eliminated "physical" overheads—specifically the cost of DVD manufacturing, warehouse storage and international courier fees. We have chosen to pass these £126 in savings directly to you, making elite maritime training more accessible to the global community.
Absolutely. While the DVD required a computer with a disc drive or a DVD player, the new platform is fully responsive. You can study on your laptop at the office, or catch up on modules via your smartphone or tablet during your commute.
Yes. When you enroll at the £199 Early Bird rate, you get full access to the current curriculum and any minor updates or supplementary materials added to the platform during your access period.
Many of our long-term users are switching because the online course includes interactive knowledge checks and updated "real-world" scenarios that help you apply the Rotterdam Rules to modern 2026 shipping contracts. Plus, the instant CPD certification is much easier to submit to your professional body.
Master the Rotterdam Rules. Anytime. Anywhere.
Comprehensive technical detail. Real-world industry insight. Instant CPD certification. All for the exclusive Early Bird price of £199.00
