Transport policy and legislation

 

As part of its mandate on trade logistics, UNCTAD carries out substantive research and analysis on a wide range of legal and policy issues affecting transport and trade. Where appropriate, formal and informal meetings convened by UNCTAD also provide an important forum for discussion of relevant issues by member States, public and private sector stakeholders and other experts. Technical assistance, advice and guidance on legal and policy issues is provided upon request.

Substantive areas of work include international maritime and transport law, as well as a range of policy issues of relevance to sustainable transport. Since 2008, one area of focus has been on the implications of climate change for maritime transport, with special emphasis on climate change impacts and adaptation for transport infrastructure and the need to enhance the climate-resilience of transport systems. Publications include a dedicated chapter with a focus on legal issues and regulatory developments as part of UNCTAD’s annual flagship report “Review of Maritime Transport”, as well as substantive analytical reports on topical issues, and contributions to UNCTAD’s Transport and Trade Facilitation Newsletter.

Cooperation with other agencies and engagement in collaborative efforts and initiatives include, among others UN-Oceans, the IMO, UNCITRAL, UNEP, UNFCCC, UN regional commissions, and the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.

For further information and feedback, contact the Policy and Legislation Section at: policy.legislation@unctad.org

For an historical overview of UNCTAD's activities in the field of shipping, see Beyond Conventional Wisdom in Development Policy: An intellectual history of UNCTAD 1964-2004. 

 

 

News

Graph showing developing countries increasingly drive the growth of the ocean economy
Developing countries increasingly drive ocean economy but must diversify for resilience
Many developing economies rely heavily on a single ocean sector, leaving them vulnerable to sudden shifts in tariffs, market access or demand.
 
A chart showing the share of different sectors in the global ocean economy
Fast-growing trillion-dollar ocean economy goes beyond fishing and shipping
The ocean drives industries from tourism and biotech to clean energy and pharmaceuticals. But climate change, pollution and underfunding put its future at risk.
 
Ocean economy is growing faster than other sectors
The ocean economy is booming. But for how long?
Trade and innovation have driven growth, but mounting climate risks, weak governance and underinvestment threaten the sector’s future and the lives of 600 million people worldwide.
 
An aerial view of the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal.
Vulnerability of supply chains exposed as global maritime chokepoints come under pressure
The latest Review of Maritime transport urges action to strengthen infrastructure and operations, promote low-carbon shipping and combat growing concerns over fraudulent ship registrations.
 

Review of Maritime Transport 2024

Chapter 5 

Chapter 5: Making the legal and regulatory environment fit for purpose

  1. Commercial law implications of weather- and climate-related risks
  2. Combating fraudulent ship registration and registries: State of play and a way forward
  3. Policy considerations

Download Chapter 5

 

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