The 1989 Salvage Convention and Environmental Salvage

Salvage services have become increasingly important due to the development of oil tankers, as they can confer a substantial benefit to those ashore. Governments and other authorities are also concerned that salvage services are conducted in the public interest, to protect maritime property. With the increase in shipping of hazardous cargoes, disasters are likely to occur, and spillages have occurred on a massive scale, such as the loss of Torrey Canyon in 1967 and Amaco Cadiz in 1978. Other major casualties include Exxon Valdez in 1989, Haven in 1999, Nagasaki Spirit and The Aegean in 1992, and Braer in 1993. The need to protect the environment from such disasters has been a matter of widespread concern. This book consists of three parts: an introduction to the evolution and objective of the 1989 Salvage Convention; a critical analysis of the provisions of the 1989 Salvage Convention relating to environmental salvage and how effective these provisions have been in achieving the objective of the convention; and a consideration of the extent to which the existing law has been adapted. The book concludes by suggesting proposals for modification and changes to existing law/ practice.