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8
Preface
guards, the migration from the maritime law point of view, the liability of
passengers’ carrier after the recent deadly accidents, as well as the impact
of piracy on insurance, contracts and liabilities, were examined in depth. The
input of the representatives of international organizations (IMO, ILO, ΙΟPC
Funds) was valuable at that stage as well as in the previous one.
It is worthwhile to underline the essay competition on maritime law, organized
for the first time in the framework of the 9
th
International Conference. The
Piraeus Bar Association and the Organizing Committee, considering that
economic distress should be treated as a challenge and not as an obstacle to
the scientific progress, intended to encourage through this vehicle the active
involvement of young lawyers and jurists wiling to deepen their research
in the field of Maritime Law. The wide participation and the high quality
standards of the submitted papers make sure that the “Young Maritime Prize”
competition will be repeated and institutionalized. It is with great pleasure
that we decided to publish the prize-winner papers, together with those of
the distinguished speakers.
The expression of thanks, which customarily accompany the preface, is far
from being a formality. While it would be reasonable to worry about the
possibilities of the Piraeus legal and maritime community to permanently
support the organization of the Conference, it became once more obvious
that energy and commitment are not yet exhausted. It suffices to remind the
significantly high number of attendants, the uninterrupted participation, the
quality and originality of the contributions, as well as the moral and financial
support of a considerable number of sponsors. Without this coordinated effort,
the success of the Conference, both at a scientific and a human/social level,
would be impossible.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee
Dr. L. I. Athanassiou
Professor, Law School
National & Kapodistrian University of Athens