This book examines third party protection in shipping. Today, shipping is not just a part of the supply chain; it is indistinguishable from it. Once at the periphery, third party protection is now a central element of carriage. This matter is addressed by means of analysis of the current legal framework in relation to third parties and an evaluation of how, within this framework, the law applicable to a third party may be uncovered. Third party protection is analysed under the following: the Hague/Hague-Visby Rules; the Hamburg Rules; the Rotterdam Rules; English law and United States law; and civil law. With its breadth of coverage and high-quality analysis, this book is vital reading for both professional and academic readers with an interest in shipping and international trade.