Course title

International Business Transactions (B)Teacher(s)Shohei TEZUKA、Peter CASSIDY、SAITO Akira

Numbering Code

Day・PeriodOther

開講区分

単位数

1st semester

1.0

Timetable Slot
Code1J389

Lesson topic
This course will examine the various aspects of commercial shipping law, which is a vital component ofinternational business transactions. After introducing the history of development of international shipping law andthe various roles in the industry, this course will explain the different types of contracts that are commonly
dealt with, how oceangoing ships are owned and operated, and the various legal regimes which govern the industry.
From a practical perspective, the course will also examine two major incidents that affected the shipping industry
in 2020, namely the global COVID-19 pandemic and the oil spill from the MV Wakashio in Mauritius. The course will
examine the topic from the aspect of English law, which has traditionally been and today remains a vital source oflaw for the industry.
Lesson target
Upon completing the course, students should be able to identify the various parties involved in international
shipping transactions, explain the purpose of common contracts used in such transactions and understand the various
international legal regimes which apply to oceangoing ships and the carriage of goods on such vessels.
Syllabus and plan
There will be a total of eight lectures covering the following topics:
1. The history and development of the commercial shipping industry
2. Types of ships and ownership structures, and development of shipping law
3. Contracts used in international commercial transactions
4. Contracts relating to the transportation of goods
5. The Hague Rules and its subsequent amendments
6. Voyage and time charterparties
7. International treaties governing the shipping industry
8. Vessel casualties
9. Environmental regulations and port state control
10. Recent developments in the shipping industry
The topics and schedule may be slightly adjusted depending on the progress over the days.
Evaluation method
In-class presentation: 40%
In-class participation: 10%
Final essay: 50%
Evaluation baseline- In the in-class presentation, students should be able to display their practical understanding of the subjects
presented in the lectures.
- The in-class participation portion will assess students preparation and knowledge through their interaction
during the lectures.
- For the final essay, students will be required to choose from one of several research questions and present alogical argument supported by appropriate references arising from the topics discussed during the course.
Notice (include info. on related class)This course is recommended for students who wish to gain an understanding of how shipping law plays an importantrole in international business transactions. It will be beneficial for students who are seeking a career as acommercial lawyer, as well as those seeking to work in a company that conducts international trade.
Review and preparationPreparation: Read the assigned materials before each lecture to enable active participation in the discussions.
Review: Reflect upon the topics discussed in class and how they relate to the broader subject of the course. Review
the assigned materials for use in the in-class activities.

Office hour・Contact information
Shohei Tezuka: Email: s.tezuka@higashimachi.jp
Peter Cassidy: Email: p.cassidy@higashimachi.jp
Message for student
This will be an interactive course that will maximise the use of classroom time to discuss the various topics. Soplease read the assigned materials in advance so that you can participate fully and help make this course as
valuable as possible.
Improvemenets in Teaching
N/AText

Carriage of Goods by Sea, 7th edition / J. Wilson : Longman ,2010 ,ISBN:
Reference Material-J. Cooke et al., Voyage Charters, 4th Edition, 2014-

B. Eder et al., Scrutton on Charterparties and Bills of Lading, 24th Edition, Sweet & Maxwell, 2019.

Maritime Law, 4th Edition / Y. Baatz et al. : Routledge ,2017 ,ISBN:The Law of Marine Insurance, 2nd Edition / H. Bennett : Oxford ,2006 ,ISBN:Time Charters, 7th Edition / T. Coghlin et al. : ,2014 ,ISBN:Classroom Language
EnglishKeywords
International Commercial Law; Business Transactions; Maritime Law