Document background
The Sea Way Bill serves as a fundamental document in maritime transport operations, particularly relevant for Austrian businesses engaged in international trade. While Austria is landlocked, its companies extensively use sea freight services through neighboring countries' ports, necessitating proper documentation that complies with both Austrian law and international maritime conventions. The Sea Way Bill is specifically chosen when parties require a non-negotiable transport document that confirms the contract of carriage and receipt of goods, but where the negotiability of a Bill of Lading is not necessary. It includes crucial information such as shipping parties, cargo details, vessel information, and terms of carriage, while being governed by Austrian commercial law and relevant international maritime conventions. This document is particularly useful in situations where the cargo will arrive before the documents, or when the parties have established trading relationships and don't require a negotiable document.
