New Developments in the Field of Transport of Dangerous Goods: Presence and Prospects of the CRTD Convention

Abstract

One of the main functions of law is that it should reflect the social and economic reality of daily life. It is the same in international law. In this regard, let us speak plainly. Oil and other potentially troublesome substances are still the driving forces behind worldwide economics, and hence play a pivotal role in shaping modern society. However, we dislike the risks associated with international commercial transactions since they are the results of technical deficiencies and human failures. The question is: how do we deal with these risks from a judicial point of view? Before emphasising new developments regarding the CRTD Convention (civil liability regarding the inland carriage of dangerous goods),¹ it is first necessary to examine the historical legal background of the transport of hazardous goods.