10.1 Introduction

As a result of the development of shipping technology and containerization, in modern sea carriage the ship often arrives at the port of destination before the bill of lading.1 This can cause serious problems because of the general rule that the carrier must not deliver the goods in any way other than against presentation of an original bill of lading. If this rule is strictly adhered to, it could cause numerous problems for both the carrier and the consignee, as well as for the shipper. One of the ways to avoid those problems is to replace the bill of lading with a sea waybill.