TradeGo eBL has announced the approval, by International Group of P&I Clubs (IGP&I), of the second version of the User Agreement on June 12, 2024, regarding electronic bills of lading (eBLs).
As informed, the newly approved version, known as the TradeGo User Agreement (2024.06.12) or ‘the Second User Agreement’, introduces significant changes. Most notably, it includes provisions for interoperability of eBLs. This means that eBLs can now be transferred to and from third-party platforms, in addition to being managed within TradeGo’s own framework.
Under the Second User Agreement, users are permitted to request interoperability, and TradeGo intends to negotiate platform-to-platform agreements with third-party providers to facilitate this process. However, interoperability is only extended to electronic bills of lading recognized under applicable laws as equivalent to traditional paper bills of lading (MLETR e-bills).
The notice also clarifies that the general exclusions of cover under Group Club Rules relating to the carriage of cargo will continue to apply. These exclusions apply uniformly to both electronic and paper systems and include scenarios such as discharge at a port or place other than that agreed upon in the contract of carriage, issuing ante or post-dated electronic documents, and delivering cargo without the required negotiable electronic document.
This approval follows their earlier circular dated January 26, 2023, where the International Group had initially approved the original TradeGo User Agreement dated December 15, 2022.
In an exclusive interview to SAFETY4SEA, Bertrand Chen, CEO of GSBN, discussed he benefits of an electronic Bill of Lading (eBL), saying that to survive and thrive in this new world, the industry needs to share data, process it and act upon it quickly. Given the complexity and interconnectedness of the shipping industry, there will not be a single solution that can fit the bill, but rather a portfolio of solutions built atop of a common data infrastructure.
