Implementing the UNCTAD Code of Conduct: The UK Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act, 1982

This article analyses the UK legislation which will implement the UNCTAD Code of Conduct for Liner Conferences. The historical background to the Merchant Shipping (Liner Conferences) Act, 1982 is outlined and the author points out the relative decline of the UK merchant fleet in the face of competition from developing maritime nations, socialist countries and the USA. Provisions in the UK act curtailing the provisions of the Code are described. UK opposition to the cargo sharing and flag preference provisions of the Code is described and the article concludes by arguing that, although the Code does not satisfy all the UK demands, it remains the best option in a world increasingly dominated by protectionism.