What happens if the legitimate holder of a bill of lading does not present it before unloading?

The situation regarding the legitimate holder of a bill of lading not presenting it before unloading involves important principles of maritime commerce. If the holder fails to present the bill of lading prior to the unloading of the cargo, they become responsible for various costs incurred as a result of that delay.

This scenario occurs because the bill of lading serves not only as a receipt for the cargo but also as a document of title. If it is not presented, it indicates that the official claim to the cargo has not been asserted, which can lead to complications in the transfer of ownership and the release of goods. As a result, the carrier or port may incur additional expenses related to storing or handling the cargo, and these costs are typically borne by the party that fails to present the necessary documentation.

While the other options present potential actions that might arise in different circumstances, they do not accurately reflect the immediate consequence of not presenting the bill of lading. For example, the cargo will not be released without the proper documentation, and it is unlikely that the captain would hold the goods indefinitely without clear instruction based on the bill of lading. Similarly, returning the goods to the sender is generally not a standard or practical response in these situations.