"Waterborne transport is of crucial importance within the European Union. Almost 90% of the EU's external freight trade and 40% of the intra EU-exchanges of goods and passengers are carried by sea. 23 EU Member States are coastal states and 26 are Flag States. EU shipowners manage 30% of the world's vessels and 35% of the global shipping tonnage. Each year, more than 400 million passengers pass through European portraits The Framework of the 'Erika Packages' adds another regulatory level to the existing global legal regime. As a result, almost all aspects of maritime transport and shipping are now regulated by EU Law."--Bloomsbury Publishing.