Dr Elson Ong
Lawyer | Researcher
About me
Maritime Law Researcher
I am a maritime law researcher specialising in the legal aspects of maritime digitalisation. My research examines the barriers to digitalisation in shipping, legal issues arising from new technologies (especially blockchain), and the conceptual distinction between law and trust.
Publications
A ‘Digital Mutual Association’ for Maritime Digitalisation
Magazine Article
This article proposes the creation of a ‘digital mutual association’ to facilitate maritime digitalisation, drawing inspiration from established mutual structures such as the International Group of P&I Clubs.
Blockchain Bills of Lading and the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records
Journal Article
This article recommended that common law jurisdictions adopt the UNCITRAL MLETR to enable legal recognition and enforceability of electronic bills of lading but replace ‘control’ with ‘possession’ to better align with existing common law doctrines.
Digitalising Commercial Shipping: The Relevance of Trust
PhD Thesis
This thesis investigates why commercial shipping has not been able to digitalise. It concludes that a lack of trust in digital service providers impedes digitalisation.
Blockchain Bills of Lading
Working Paper
This working paper suggested the use of blockchain technology for electronic bills of lading.
Electronic Bills of Lading, Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technology
Book Chapter
This chapter critiqued electronic bill of lading solutions that use novation and attornment mechanisms. Such solutions fragment the bill of lading’s traditional triune functions.
Call a Bill a Bill: The Star Quest
Case Comment
This case comment examined The Star Quest, a bunker misdelivery case arising from the global OW Bunker A/S bankruptcy.
Education
PhD in Law, National University of Singapore
LLM (Maritime Law), University of Southampton
LLB (Hons), University of Southampton