Document background
The Hitchment Bill of Lading is a crucial document in maritime trade where cargo requires transfer between vessels during its journey. This document type is particularly relevant in Saudi Arabian ports where larger vessels often cannot access all ports directly, necessitating cargo transfers to smaller feeder vessels. The document must comply with Saudi Arabian maritime law, including the Saudi Commercial Court Law and Maritime regulations, while also adhering to international shipping conventions. A Hitchment Bill of Lading includes detailed information about all vessels involved, transfer points, cargo specifications, and liability arrangements throughout the journey. It serves multiple purposes: as a receipt for goods, a title document enabling cargo ownership transfer, and a contract of carriage. The document is essential for operations involving mother vessels and feeder services, particularly in hub-and-spoke shipping networks common in the Gulf region.
