Negotiable bills of lading and their contractual role under Greek, United States and English Law

Abstract

Refers to the history of the maritime sale of goods which resulted in a bill of lading, representing goods at sea in a ship. Attempts to determine whether or not a bill of lading is a negotiable instrument if it is characterized by such words as to order or to bearer. Compares US, Greek and English law and finds that English law is not in line with US and Greek law. Refers to the English Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA) 1992. Claims that differences in law may cause some problems for international trade and mentions the European Commission’s project to examine the feasibility of electronic bills of lading.