Overview
A client initiated the Electronic Cargo Tracking Note (ECTN) process for a shipment destined for Lomé Port, Togo. After submitting required shipping documents and receiving a draft for review, an unexpected operational challenge arose.
The Challenge
The shipping line made a last-minute decision and divided the original Bill of Lading into two separate Bills of Lading because containers were loaded onto different vessels. This occurred after the ECTN draft process had already begun.
The situation created a documentation mismatch:
- Two new Bills of Lading
- Updated commercial invoices
- One single customs declaration that could not be quickly revised
With vessel departure approaching, the client faced uncertainty about how to proceed.
The Solution
The team immediately reviewed the situation and reorganized the draft structure. Key actions included:
- Revising the original draft to reflect updated shipping documents
- Creating a second draft aligned with the second Bill of Lading
- Structuring both drafts transparently for authority review under Antaser, Togo's national coordination framework
- Maintaining document consistency despite the operational adjustment
Both drafts were shared, reviewed, confirmed, and submitted for authority approval. Two ECTN certificates were issued and delivered before the vessel arrived at Lomé, preventing penalties or disruptions.
Key Takeaway
This case demonstrates the ability to manage unexpected changes during ECTN processing, including split bills of lading under significant time constraints while maintaining compliance and timely delivery.