Document background
The Bill of Lading For Ocean (Transport) is a fundamental document in maritime shipping, essential for facilitating international trade and ensuring legal compliance in cargo transportation. Used when goods are transported by sea, this document is particularly significant under Hong Kong law, which combines common law principles with specific maritime ordinances including the Carriage of Goods by Sea Ordinance (Cap. 462) and the Bills of Lading and Analogous Shipping Documents Ordinance (Cap. 440). The document includes critical information such as cargo details, shipping terms, parties involved, and vessel information, while also serving three vital functions: acknowledging receipt of goods, evidencing the contract of carriage, and acting as a document of title. This makes it essential for various transactions including international sales, documentary credit operations, and customs clearance procedures.
