This book represents the Ph. D. study conducted at the Max-Planck Research School for Maritime Affairs at the University of Hamburg between 2004 and 2007. The topic of the study was suggested by my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Peter Mankowski. I want to express my deepest gratitude and thanks to Prof. Dr. Mankowski for his meritorious contribution, invaluable support and encoura- ment. I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to second examiner Prof. Dr. Ulrich Magnus for the expeditious submission of the second opinion on my dissertation. The Max-Planck Research School for Maritime Affairs is distinct in its mul- disciplinary post-graduate study on maritime matters. I am deeply honored to be a member of the Max-Planck Research School. I am most grateful to its Directors for admitting me as a scholar, providing me with a generous scholarship and grant for the publication of this book in the Hamburg Studies on Maritime Affairs series. Thanks are also due to the former and current coordinators of the Research School for their guidance and assistance. I owe particular thanks to Dr. Silke Knaut and Ms. Vera Wiedenbeck for their great care. The library of the Max- Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law is a treasury of resources and has provided me with a convenient and efficient environment to carry out research for my dissertation. The Hanseatic City of Hamburg with its maritime flair is an excellent place to study maritime matters.