Document background
The Charterers Bill of Lading is a specialized maritime transport document used when a vessel charterer, rather than the shipowner, issues the bill of lading. This document becomes necessary in situations where the charterer has assumed the role of carrier under the terms of the charter party. It must comply with German law, particularly the maritime provisions of the German Commercial Code (HGB), while also adhering to international conventions like the Hague-Visby Rules. The document includes crucial information such as cargo details, shipping terms, parties involved, and serves three primary functions: evidence of the contract of carriage, receipt for goods shipped, and document of title. It's particularly important in international trade transactions involving German ports or parties, documentary credit operations, and cargo ownership transfers during transit.
