Electronic bills of lading adoption in maritime transport: An empirical analysis from the carrier's perspective

Adopting an empirical, carrier-focused perspective, this study investigates how the legal, operational, and commercial concerns shape ocean carrier's willingness to adopt electronic bills of lading (eBLs), an inquiry currently lacking in the existing literature. Drawing on a triangulated qualitative research design, it combines semi-structured interviews with ocean carriers and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club professionals, a systematic analysis of academic, regulatory, and industry materials, and scenario construction. The findings identify four interrelated dimensions of concern: regulatory and institutional acceptance, platform functionality, risk and liability allocation, and comprehensive acceptance across stakeholders. The scenario analysis further shows how technological disruptions may expose carriers to operational and financial risks under existing contractual and insurance arrangements. The study concludes that statutory recognition of eBLs alone is insufficient to drive adoption. It argues for a dual approach: carriers must adopt proactive contractual risk management and contingency planning, while policymakers should prioritize global legal harmonization and establish mandatory supervision of technology providers to rebalance risk allocation.