General average – general principle plus varying practical application equals uniformity?

One of the recurring themes in today’s quest for uniformity in maritime law is that historically uniform rules were applied. This article considers whether this applies to the concept of general average and analysis shows that there appears to have been universal agreement that apportionment of damages should take place under specific circumstances. However, the circumstances varied considerably according to place and over time. On balance, it is argued that agreement on principles does not automatically lead to uniform regulation.