Electronic bills of lading

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The ocean bill of lading has undergone various transformations over the years, from a document of description to a document of title representing the goods it describes.$^1$ The marketplace has developed dramatically over the past 20 years.$^2$ Most of the legislation dealing with bills of lading and shipping documentation was drafted in an age well before computers, the internet and electronic data interchange.$^3$ This electronic revolution and the ever changing technology brings with it complexities and challenges.$^4$ Therefore there is some legal uncertainty with regard to the electronic transfer of the bill of lading.$^5$ The bill of lading has failed to adapt to the technological advancements of the modern market and the shipping industry. As a result of this, the paper - based bill of lading has to some extent lost its commercial credibility.$^6$