2.1 Introduction

This contribution considers whether the use of blockchain might (finally) facilitate a move to a wider adoption of electronic bills of lading as a replacement for paper Bills.2 It will first address the historical development and the modern functions of the paper Bill of Lading. It will consider some of the problems of the paper Bill, but also the problems that have been encountered with any widespread shift to electronic bills. Finally, it will discuss how blockchain may offer a way round at least some of these problems, and how this revolutionary technology could, perhaps, facilitate an evolutionary development in law and practice.