In 2004 the York-Antwerp Rules (YAR) a cornerstone of general average in maritime law
underwent a revision at the Comité Maritime International (CMI) conference. Led by cargo
insurers the proposed changes aimed to modernize the YAR 1994. However this revision sparked
controversy. Shipowners a key stakeholder group vehemently opposed the amendments. Despite
their objections the CMI adopted the YAR 2004. However the industry's resistance proved
strong. Shipowners led by BIMCO actively discouraged the use of YAR 2004 ultimately
rendering it a failed attempt at reform. Today the YAR 1994 remains the dominant standard
highlighting the challenges of achieving consensus in revising established maritime legal
frameworks.
