Electronic Transport Records

In the maritime context, Electronic Transport Records (ETRs) refer to the digital equivalent of transport documents used in international trade, such as bills of lading or sea waybills. These records are used to evidence the contract of carriage, receipt of the goods, and entitlement to deliver the goods. ETRs are created, sent, received, and stored in electronic format, which allows for more efficient and secure handling of documents. They are governed by legal frameworks that ensure their legal equivalence to paper documents. The use of ETRs in maritime transport can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with the handling of paper documents, improve the accuracy and reliability of data, and enhance the traceability and security of transactions. However, their adoption requires appropriate technological infrastructure and changes in business practices. The use of ETRs is part of the broader trend towards digitalization in the maritime industry, which also includes the use of electronic navigation systems, automated port operations, and digital platforms for freight booking and tracking.