Document background
The Marine Bill of Lading is a fundamental document in international maritime trade, even within the context of Austrian law despite the country's landlocked status. It is used whenever goods are transported by sea as part of international trade transactions involving Austrian companies or entities. The document combines aspects of Austrian commercial law (Unternehmensgesetzbuch) with international maritime conventions, particularly the Hague-Visby Rules. A Marine Bill of Lading typically includes detailed information about the shipped goods, all involved parties, vessel details, ports of loading and discharge, and specific terms of carriage. It is particularly crucial in international trade finance, as it enables banks to process documentary credits and facilitates the transfer of title to goods while in transit.
