Document background
The Sea Way Bill is a fundamental document in maritime trade, specifically designed for situations where negotiability of the transport document is not required. Under South African law, particularly the Sea Transport Documents Act 65 of 2000, this document serves as both proof of the contract of carriage and receipt of goods by the carrier. The Sea Way Bill is particularly useful in modern container trade where goods typically arrive before documents, as it allows delivery to the named consignee without presentation of the original document. It contains essential information including carrier and shipper details, goods description, ports of loading and discharge, and shipping terms. This document type is especially relevant in established trade relationships with known consignees, offering a more streamlined alternative to traditional Bills of Lading while maintaining legal validity under South African maritime law.
