Document background
The Marine Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international maritime trade, governed in this instance by Swiss law and international conventions. It is used when goods are transported by sea and serves three essential functions: as a receipt confirming the carrier's possession of the cargo, as evidence of the contract of carriage, and as a document of title enabling the transfer of ownership of goods in transit. The document must comply with the Swiss Code of Obligations, particularly Articles 957-964, and international conventions such as the Hague-Visby Rules. Despite Switzerland being landlocked, many international trading companies operate under Swiss jurisdiction, making this document crucial for global trade operations. The Marine Bill of Lading includes detailed information about the parties involved, the goods being transported, the vessel, and the terms of carriage.
