國際貿易為台灣經濟發展之重要關鍵，相關貨物運送則以海運為主。於國際海上運送公約、各國海商法暨海上運送契約所規定之運送人免責事由及條款為區隔運送人與貨主權利義務分擔之重要條款，亦為運送人訂定運價，保險人確定承保範圍與訂保險費率之重要依據。現行國際公約，如海牙規則、海牙威士比規則，暨各國海商法制均較偏重保護海上運送人之利益。聯合國於2008年所制定之鹿特丹規則，對於運送人法定免責事由有所革新，然此是否達成使船、貨雙方利益更趨平衡之目標，值得關注。為此，本文即以相關國際公約暨實務適用之運送人法定免責條款加以探討，並對於我國海商法規定予以比較與檢視，並提出修正之建議。

International trade is the significant mainstay of economic development in Taiwan. Most of the cargos depend on carriage of goods by sea. The exemption clauses of international carriage convention, national maritime act and the affreightment contract are crucial clauses that differentiate risks from cargo owners and carriers. For the clauses provide definite regulations about carriers' freight rate, insurer's insurance coverage and rate. Today international conventions such as Hague Rules, Hague-Visby Rules, and most national maritime laws regulate to protect carriers' interests. In 2008, the UN adopted the Rotterdam Rules, which amends carrier's exemption clauses. Would such amendments lead to a better balance between the interest of carriers and cargo owners? This article will examine the articles via international maritime practices, conventions, and provide some suggestions for further amendments of Taiwan Maritime law.