A Comparative Study of International, U.S., and Chinese Ship-Source Hazardous Substances Pollution (China Perspectives)

The book systematically discusses how to better regulate and reduce ship-source hazardous substances pollution. It analyzes international, U.S., and Chinese laws and regulations from the perspectives of pollution prevention and control, emergency response and environmental remediation, and liability and compensation for damage.

Through case studies of major ship-source hazardous substances pollution incidents in the United States and China, the author concludes that prevention, control, and response measures must be considered alongside conflicts between pollution control objectives and other economic, social, and political constraints. Additionally, in China, prevention, control, and response efforts are constrained by a narrow definition of damage, insufficient liability limits, and underdeveloped insurance and supplementary funding mechanisms, despite the consideration of environmental claims in the compensation regimes. The author calls for adequate legal institutions that include discharge standards and permits, emergency response protocols, strict compensation standards, limited defenses, a supplementary compensation fund, and comprehensive enforcement that integrates national regulations and international cooperation.

This book serves as a useful reference for students, scholars, and legal professionals specializing in shipping, maritime, and environmental law.

Ruixuan Zhuo is Assistant Professor of Law at Shanghai Maritime University and a postdoctoral researcher at Dalian Maritime University. She holds a Doctor of Juridical Science and a Master of Laws in Admiralty from Tulane University Law School and a Bachelor of Laws from Dalian Maritime University. Her research interests include marine environmental law and maritime law.