E-Bills of Lading / Carriage of goods by sea

Blockchain promises to simplify both payment and delivery of goods. So, in future, can we look to blockchain to overcome risks inherent in a paper documentary process? There are still a number of issues to overcome with e-bills and blockchain but in theory, if all stakeholders, including the financial institutions who might otherwise rely on information being passed onto them by the shipper, transact on one ledger, this should eliminate the need to issue multiple bills of lading. While blockchain may one day be the solution to overcoming the complexities that bills of lading pose, for now, there is no substitute to understanding primarily their functions, negotiability and the passing of title in and to the goods being shipped. Your assessment task is to produce an essay within which you will critically evaluate the concept of e-bills of lading using blockchain technology. You should consider how far the shipping industry has already progressed in adapting blockchain technology for e-bills, considering any advantages, disadvantages and any risks in using e-bills. Finally, your essay should consider whether there are any regulatory barriers to e-bills governed by English law.