Customer Reviews

Maritime Economics Second Edition

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A small number of reviewers were impressed by this work and that accolade is understandable and, for the most part, well warranted. I found Mr. Stopford's book was a comprehensive and detailed discussion of the arcane field of maritime economics and finance. I believe that anyone interested in this field, particularly maritime attorneys, ship financing brokers, maritime finance department representatives, ocean carrier finance departments, and other players will find it very useful. However, I regret that I cannot give this work five stars. The volume I purchased contains far too many spelling and grammatical mistakes, no doubt due to poor editing by Routledge. These spelling and other errors are not just small mistakes that can be overlooked. There are far too many distracting errors that greatly undermine the usefulness of the book. At times, I found it very difficult to even follow the book's lessons because spelling and grammatical errors made it hard, if not impossible, to determine what lesson Mr. Stopford was trying to impart to the reader. It's a shame such a good book's lessons were marred and undermined by such shoddy editing.

It is an excellent guide book to students whose willing to study maritime business. It provides not only a good theorical understanding but real aspect getting from author's plenty experiences. If you want to learn about maritime transport economy, it is neassary to read it as soon as possible.

Maritime Economics by Martin Stopford is not only the most comprehensive and understandable introduction to the world of shipping but today also a "must have read" for newcomers to both the shipping and vessel finance industries. Well written, close to real life practice. Just read it and get convinced

Maritime Economics Second Edition

I am writting my thesis and i belive no other book is this world could help me more than this!
Its complete, easy language and full of useful informations! No regrets for buying this and totally
reccomend!

This book provides an excellent introduction to the "macro" issues surrounding the shipping trade. Perspective is provided on the growth of volume of trade over time, geographic areas the ship construction business and financing in this field (among many other areas). The book does not, however, prvoide (nor is it intended) a "micro" analysis as to how business is conducted on a day-to-day basis (i.e., bunkering, role of different crew members, role of agents, etc.). For an excellent introduction to this one should instead refer to "The Business of Shipping"

Books weaknesses are:

a) Dated information. This most important weakness by far. Nearly all data/information, most of which the author collected and/or tabulated himself (and in many cases developed himself) is from the early 1990s and the late 1980s. Immense changes resulting from seaborne trading patterns due to China's and emergin nation's economic integration into the global economy are hence not discussed in the book. This is desprite the fact taht these chages are probably the most radical to maritime trade since the end of WWII.

This problem will hopefully be remedied in the new edition of the book which is to be released January 2009.

b) Little discussion regarding the market for crews. This is despite the fact that the author himself expllicitely states this is a critical bottleneck for the industry. A chapter (or at least a few pages instead of a sentence or two) adressing this aspect of the business is needed.

Update:

A new Third Edition of this book has recently been published that updates most of the information contained in the 2nd ed. Althouth about $20 more expensive, this updated information, along with other improvements (i.e., expanded chapters, very detailed cost-breakdown information on a variety of different types of vessels, etc.- for more details see my review of the third edition) make this extra $20 a worth while investment.

I receive a very good article ( new book as I ordered but i got the book 10 days after the delivery date). So, if you can make your delivery on time it will be better.
Thanks

It is the Bible of Shipping, a must for anyone interested on the Maritime World