This book analyses the regulation of vessel-source pollution from the perspective of the interest politics underlying the major actors' positions. In essence, it investigates the political, economic and social forces that energise and influence rule-making at international fora, principally the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the process, the book identifies deficiencies within the shipping industry as well as the international regulatory system that affect the effectiveness of pollution control rules and standards. The book then suggests prescriptions to overcome or reduce the impact of these deficiencies.

I am infinitely grateful to many good people whose support made this book possible and the effort that went into it so worthwhile. First, I wish to thank the National University of Singapore for granting me leave and supporting my studies. To Michael Reisman at Yale Law School, thank you for your encouragement and belief in me. I am also grateful to Daniel Esty, Carol Rose, Judy Couture, Barbara Safriet, Toni Davis, Cina Santos and my good friends from the Yale LLM/JSD Class of 2001–02. Special thanks to Deans Chin Tet Yung and Tan Cheng Han at the Faculty of Law of the National University of Singapore, Robert Beckman, Tommy Koh and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. In London, where the bulk of the research was done, I thank and recall with fondness the International Maritime Organization, its delegates and staff (particularly Rouba Ruthnum and the IMO librarians), the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, and, our home away from home, the London Goodenough Trust.