Cargo Missing at Destination, “Only One Original B/L” Rejected as a Defense — $120K Awarded

Background

A Nigerian company purchased a batch of cotton cloth from a Shenzhen-based Chinese company. The goods were carried by a Chinese shipping company from Yantian Port to Ona Port in Nigeria, under a straight bill of lading issued by the shipping company as agent. The Nigerian company, named as consignee and holding the original bill of lading, discovered upon presentation for delivery that the goods were missing.

Dispute

The Nigerian company repeatedly demanded compensation, but the shipping company refused on the grounds that it held only one original bill of lading, not the full set.

Outcome

The Nigerian company entrusted SuitWin Recovery. After trial by the Guangzhou Maritime Court, the shipping company was ordered to compensate the Nigerian company $120,000 plus corresponding interest.