Document background
The Sea Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in maritime trade, used when goods are transported by sea under Hong Kong jurisdiction. It serves three essential functions: as a receipt confirming the carrier's acceptance of goods, as evidence of the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, and as a transferable document of title enabling the sale of goods while in transit. The document must comply with Hong Kong's maritime legislation, particularly the Bills of Lading and Analogous Shipping Documents Ordinance (Cap. 440) and incorporate international shipping standards. It is typically issued by the carrier to the shipper and can be transferred to other parties through endorsement, facilitating international trade and financing arrangements such as letters of credit.
