Note: As the bulk of import cargo to Ethiopia is done through Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise, it's imperative to know the procedures involved. The following procedures were followed by the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines and they may have to be changed if and when ESLSE changes the procedures. What is outlined below is the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines Procedures on Booking, Shipping and Clearing are outlined in this article.

Case 1: If the goods are loaded by vessels owned by ESL

Case 1.1: If the Original Bill of Lading is available

ESL will release the cargo loaded under its Bill of Lading after the client/consignee has provided the following documents:

1. Original Bill of Lading bearing the client's/consignee's stamp at the back
2. Original Payment Request and Cash Receipt
3. In case of containerized cargo, one copy of the container release paper should be attached as well

The consignee will send these documents to Djibouti through its transitor/forwarder and gets a Delivery Order (DO) from ESL's agent at Djibouti (Maritime and Transit Services Enterprise - http://www.telecom.net.et/~mtse/)

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Note: As the bulk of import cargo to Ethiopia is done through Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise, it's imperative to know the procedures involved. The following procedures were followed by the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines and they may have to be changed if and when ESLSE changes the procedures. What is outlined below is the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines Procedures on Booking, Shipping and Clearing are outlined in this article.

1. Container release

If the cargo is to be de-stuffed at Djibouti port and has been lying in the port for LESS THAN 20 days

Container release is given after the consignee brings a copy of the Bill of Lading and ESL Container division will endorse it. Depending on the owner company of the container (APL, PIL, Maersk, etc), the consignee is required to sign an agreement. The details can be found out at ESL Container Division.

If the cargo is to be de-stuffed at Djibouti port and has been lying in the port for 20 days and more

• If the container has been lying for more than 30 days, a consignee has to pay demurrage.
• Estimation of container deposit and demurrage is prepared for the consignee at ESL Marketing Department, Container Division. A consignee has to deposit Br. 5000 for a 20 feet container and Br. 10,000 for a 40 feet container.
• Container release is given after the consignee brings a copy of the Bill of Lading with Cash Payment Order (CPO) of which amount is equal to the container deposit.

Note: As the bulk of import cargo to Ethiopia is done through Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics Services Enterprise, it's imperative to know the procedures involved. The following procedures were followed by the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines and they may have to be changed if and when ESLSE changes the procedures. What is outlined below is the now defunct Ethiopian Shipping Lines Procedures on Booking, Shipping and Clearing are outlined in this article.

An importer as soon as he/she has signed a contract with a supplier should fill a form and fax it to Cargo Booking and Sales Division of ESL's Marketing Department (Fax: +251115518490), or can go to the office (located at Lagar area) and submit the form.

What the importer has to fill in the form:

1. The name and address of the importer
2. The type and quantity of the goods
3. The type of packaging (whether in containers or break-bulk)
4. Port of Loading
5. The name and address of the supplier or its representative at Port of Loading or country of origin of the goods

The supplier or its representative at Port of Loading or country of origin of the goods should contact ESL's agent at that port of loading (http://www.ethiopianshippinglines.com.et/Agents.htm) and book the cargo before and when the goods are READY FOR LOADING.