Transforming shipping: the role of the eBL

Niels Nuyens, of the Digital Container Shipping Association, takes us through the current role of a bill of lading, the issues a paper-based system presents, and how electronic bills of lading may help

The bill of lading (B/L) is one of the most important documents in container shipping. Despite its importance, it has barely changed in the last few centuries, and it must still be physically transferred along complex supply chains - creating inefficiencies, additional costs and an increased risk of fraud.