A recent High Court decision, has decided that where an agent presents a clean bill of lading to the Master for signing, this is not a warranty to the Master that the cargo is actually in good order and condition.
The “Tai Prize” was time chartered to Noble, who in turn voyage chartered her to Priminds for a voyage from Brazil to China with a cargo of soybeans. Clean bills of lading were issued for the cargo.
The B/L was executed by agents on behalf of the master without any reservations, stating...
https://safety4sea.com/court-decides-that-agents-clean-bill-of-lading-not-a-warranty/