Replaces the Bill of Lading Act 1855 in transferring rights and liabilities with bills of lading, sea waybills and ship’s delivery orders. The Act transfers rights to all ‘lawful holders’ (e.g. the holder of the bill of lading, the receiver of the goods, persons identified in the ship’s delivery order) (s.2). The removal of certain technicalities makes it easier for them to sue the carrier when goods are lost or damaged at sea. The Act also applies similar principles to electronic documentation.