Oceans of Law and Commerce

Abstract: In this talk, I will be discussing how imaginaries -ephemeral paths
on water- are made material through the practices of maritime shipping, and
how routes are transformed into commodities, and made subject to pricing,
speculation and legal dispute. My focus will be more specifically on shipping
routes in the Western Indian Ocean, but I will be also discussing how such
routes can become the object of financialisation in the headquarters of
shipping companies and in maritime trade markets such as the Baltic
Exchange in the City of London.

To register your interest please email roger.macginty@durham.ac.uk