Container revolution and its implications on shipping law

During the 1960s, the shipping industry underwent a tremendous change, well known under the term “the container revolution”. Container brought about enhancement in speed, safety and security of transportation and led to the costs saving as well. The legal issues arising from this phenomenon have been subject to many controversies since the very beginning. The legal nature of container (whether it is deemed as a package or not), the various relationships arising from issuance of several bills of lading (groupage BL and house BLs) for one container, determining the liable person in the case of damages to the cargo (while existing in the sealed container), liability for incorrect stowage of cargo in the container or stowage of container on the deck are the main issues that are analyzed in this article.