A major Ship Owner contacted us asking if we could issue replacement Bills of Lading on their behalf, as a result of a request by their Charterers whose financing bank is based in Switzerland. The intention being to change the shippers to avoid the final buyer identifying the original supplier.
In coordination with both Cargo Interests and Vessel Owners we contacted the financing bank and asked them to give up the old set of Bills of Lading to us for cancellation, on receipt of a newly issued replacement set. Fully authorised by the Vessel Captain to sign on his behalf, we issued and signed new sets of Bills of Lading, having cancelled the old, always ensuring no 2 sets of Bills of Lading were in circulation at any one time. Owners were protected in this delicate matter and Cargo Interests were able to present the new set of Bills of Lading to their Buyers, with absolutely no details mentioned of who they purchased their cargo from.