Document background
The Maritime Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international shipping, essential for facilitating global trade through Hong Kong's ports. It serves three critical functions: acting as a receipt confirming the carrier's possession of goods, evidencing the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and functioning as a document of title enabling the transfer of ownership. Under Hong Kong law, particularly through the Bills of Lading and Analogous Shipping Documents Ordinance (Cap. 440) and the Carriage of Goods by Sea Ordinance (Cap. 462), this document carries significant legal weight and must comply with both local regulations and international maritime conventions. It is used whenever goods are transported by sea, particularly in international trade, and contains vital information about the shipped goods, parties involved, vessel details, and terms of carriage. The document's importance in trade finance, customs clearance, and cargo insurance makes it indispensable for international maritime commerce through Hong Kong.
