In Part I of this article, the authors introduced the three new eBL providers whose blockchain based systems were recently approved by the International Group (IG), and provided an overview on how their systems work. Here in Part II, we take a look at the recent products and initiatives of Bolero and essDOCS, two of the first generation eBL providers. We also take a look at cyber risks again and at whether the paper BL, as a tool, is still fit for purpose in today's international trade.
In Part I of this article, the authors introduced the three new eBL providers whose blockchain based systems were recently approved by the International Group (IG), and provided an overview on how their systems work. Here in Part II, we take a look at the recent products and initiatives of Bolero and essDOCS, two of the first generation eBL providers. We also take a look at cyber risks again and at whether the paper BL, as a tool, is still fit for purpose in today's international trade.
Three years ago, the UK P&I Club issued a Legal Briefing[1] on Electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs) in which we tried to de-mystify the concept of the eBL, by providing an insight into how the systems of the three eBL providers approved by the International Group of P&I Clubs (the "IG") at the time, namely Bolero, essDOCS and e-Title™, work. We explained the legal principles relied upon by these providers to enable their eBLs to replicate the essential functions of a paper BL. We also tried to put cyber risks in context by explaining that these risks are risks associated with the general use of computers in our businesses, and are not risks specific to the use of eBLs.
The coronavirus outbreak is causing concerns for the cruise industry, but this is of course not the first time the industry has been faced with a breakout of a viral infection onboard. Members may find our Victoria Brown's 2015 article, "People Claims - Norovirus on board" in which she discussed the Judge's decision in Nolan -v- TUI UK Ltd (2015), of particular interest.
The Club would like to draw Members' attention to recent increases in fines for ship-source pollution under Greek Environmental Law. These increases, which are substantial, have been introduced via Presidential Decrees 113/2019 and 108/2019 to bring Greek environmental legislation in line with EU Directives 2005/35 and 2009/123.
This Legal Briefing will look at some questions Members may have relating to these two regulations as 8 September 2019 approaches, and end with brief guidance on P&I Club cover for claims arising out of breaches of these BWM regulations.
The UK Club routinely advises Members on the implications of proposed carriage of cargo on deck. The Club usually advises on both the contractual aspects, i.e. risk allocation under the Bills of Lading and Charterparties, as well as from a loss prevention/ or practical perspective. Carriage of cargo on deck exposes the cargo to a variety of extra risks from the elements, such as sea-spray and wind, as well as the potential risk of being washed off or falling overboard due to bad weather conditions or inadequate lashing/stabilising. Depending on the cargo, there may also be issues with the stability of the vessel itself, for example, the carriage of wing blades on top of hatch covers.
Helen Huang - Senior Claims Executive from Thomas Miller's Hong Kong office provides an introduction to China's marine oil pollution laws with a discussion on the relevant International Conventions, China's domestic laws and Ship Pollution Response Organisations (SPROs).
On 11 March 2019. the US Coast Guard issued a bulletin stating that it has reconsidered its previous interpretation of 'next scheduled drydocking' with respect to ballast water management system (BWMS) compliance dates.
On 21 February, the English High Court in an unreported judgment of HARMONY INNOVATION SHIPPING v CARAVEL SHIPPING [2019] 2 WLUK 370 ordered charterers to provide security for the release of a ship under an LOI given to enable cargo to be delivered without production of the original bills of lading.
New articles have recently been added to the Turkish Commercial Code making it compulsory for parties to refer their commercial disputes to mediation before commencing proceedings in court.
The Admiralty Act has been a much awaited legislation to codify the rules and practices relating to enforcement of Maritime Claims and Liens, and arrests, in India.
Contracts in Indonesia - on 31st August 2015, in the case of PT Bangun Karya Pratama Lestari v Nine AM Ltd, the Indonesian Supreme Court handed down a decision that a contract not drafted in the Indonesian language is null and void.
