Ocean carrier

An ocean carrier is the party that contracts to move cargo by sea and issues the bill of lading or sea waybill, operating the vessels on a liner service or under charter. In liner container trades it is the vessel-operating common carrier (a VOCC such as a major line), distinct from an NVOCC, which sells carriage and issues its own bill but books slots from the VOCC rather than running ships. The carrier’s liability for the goods runs under the Hague-Visby, Hamburg, or Rotterdam Rules depending on the contract and jurisdiction. It is responsible for the manifest filing, the stowage plan, and cargo care from receipt to delivery at the named port.