Document background
The Standard Bill of Lading Form is a fundamental document in maritime trade and shipping operations under Irish jurisdiction. It is used whenever goods are transported by sea, serving as a legally binding document between the carrier and shipper. The document is essential for international trade transactions, particularly when dealing with documentary credits or letter of credit payments. The form includes crucial details such as the nature and quantity of goods shipped, condition at loading, vessel information, and parties involved in the transaction. Governed by Irish law, particularly the Merchant Shipping Act and international conventions like the Hague-Visby Rules, this document provides legal certainty and standardization in shipping operations. It's particularly important as it serves three distinct functions: a receipt for cargo, evidence of the contract of carriage, and a document of title that enables the transfer of ownership of goods while in transit.
