Book excerpt: Elements of Shipping was first published in 1964 and has become established as a market leader over its many editions. This latest version is entirely updated to take in the many changes that have occurred in the shipping industry in recent years and features new chapters on multimodalism, seaports and electronic data interchange. Emphasis is also placed on professionalism and the need to have the latest technology and professionally qualified personnel to operate a shipping service today. It remains essential reading for the shipping executive along with students and academics with an interest in the shipping industry.