ICC Digital Library Forum

would a charter party BL signed as follows be acceptable under UCP Article 22?

"by authority of the Master, Captain ABC, (signed) XYZ Shipping Services as agent only"
Thanks

Hi,

Authority means the power and capacity to act granted by someone in a position of control; specifically : the power to act granted by a principal to his or her agent (Merriam – Webster’s Dictionary of Law, ©1996 Merriam-Webster Inc).

“To sign by authority of the master” should be understood as “to sign for or on behalf of the master”.

I see that the charter party bill of lading signed as described is complying with UCP 600 sub-article 22 (a)(i), hence, it is acceptable.

Further comments from native English speakers are appreciated.

Best regards,
N.H. Duc

Hi,
I would say the B/L would be unacceptable as it is not clear that XYZ is signing as agents of the master/carier/owner Regards Khalid

Felt that the BL signing would not be a discrepancy but was looking for some additional views. FYI the bank accepted the BL without comment. Thanks for the input.

Hi John,
As described, the way the CP was signed is acceptable. It is not discrepant and does satisfy the UCP requirements.
Best Regards