We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » Maersk and IBM’s Tradelens container shipping data platform expands in China

Maersk and IBM’s Tradelens container shipping data platform expands in China

Blockchain-based network supports digitalized operations even as global container flows remain crimped by Covid-19 outbreak at Yantian port.

tradelens-60cb41ad19630e352fa0791b_ribbon-cutting.jpg
June 17, 2021
Supply Chain Quarterly Staff
No Comments

The blockchain-enabled digital shipping platform Tradelens is quickly adding new members in China, three years after it was jointly developed by Maersk Line and IBM Corp. as a way to improve data transparency across the global container logistics trade.

More than 10 new members have joined the digital ecosystem within a month of its launch for general availability in China, including several Chinese companies, two port groups, and eight intermodal and inland logistics providers.

In addition to participation by its developers, A.P. Moller - Maersk and IBM, the platform also includes the major ocean carriers CMA CGM and MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Co.). The entire TradeLens ecosystem now includes integrations with more than 300 organizations – extending to more than 10 ocean carriers and 600 ports and terminals.

Through the platform, members gain access to end-to-end container transportation visibility, collaboration channels with logistics and trading partners, and the ability to share documents such as electronic Bills of Lading on the blockchain. Those steps are intended to modernize manual and paper-based documents, replacing them with blockchain-enabled digital solutions, its founders say.

“Connecting to the TradeLens platform is an important opportunity for Xiamen Port to expand our information service capabilities,” Zhaohui Chen, vice general manager of new member Xiamen Port Holding Group, said in a release. “Ports play pivotal role in area logistics. By integrating with TradeLens, it will allow us to improve operational efficiency and empower each other to support supply chain participants domestically and abroad to enhance the control of logistics dynamics. We will make our efforts to facilitate a smooth industrial and supply chain flow.”

The expansion of members in the platform comes as global container flows are being disrupted by the partial closure of China's Yantian port, which has been running at just 45% of its productivity for weeks as it struggles to contain a Covid-19 outbreak.

That rate was expected to rise to 75% of its full capacity today, but much damage has already been done, since the shutdown and resulting backlog have triggered regional congestion as carriers seek alternatives, according to Judah Levine, research lead with logistics technology platform provider Freightos. Those delays are also limiting capacity and pumping container rates up to sky-high levels. Maritime freight rates from Asia to both U.S. coasts are now at least triple their pandemic-inflated levels from last June, Freightos said.

“The impact of the outbreak at Yantian will be amplified because the industry as a whole is already operating at a deficit – just as it was when the Suez was blocked – with no extra capacity to throw at new problems,” Levine said in a statement. “For example, Freightos.com marketplace data show ocean shipments now arriving from China to the United States took 42% longer than last June and this will probably get worse before it gets better.”


Global Ocean Technology
KEYWORDS IBM Maersk Line
    • Related Articles

      Maersk and IBM say 94 groups have signed on to blockchain platform

      Maersk, IBM launch first blockchain joint venture for trade, transportation

      Container xChange expands online leasing platform to tank containers

    Recent Articles by Supply Chain Quarterly Staff

    GE Appliances unveils $450 million upgrade to manufacturing plant in KY

    Freight technology provider Loadsmart acquires computer vision platform provider

    Combilift celebrates 25 years of making lift trucks

    You must login or register in order to post a comment.

    Report Abusive Comment

    Most Popular Articles

    • Wabash opens trailer manufacturing facility in Indiana

    • Six defining challenges of omnichannel fulfillment

    • Postal advocacy group says “excessive” July 9 stamp price hike will hurt consumers

    • California bill would require large corporations to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions

    • How companies can lower their ESG footprint through smarter procurement

    Featured Video

    8757b894 244c 4429 b5d8 e6df7b479d82

    Penalties for Wood Packaging Material Violations

    Viewer Contributed
    Our Services Include: Customs Broker Denver Freight Forwarder Denver Global Logistics Denver Cargo Insurance Denver Customs Bond Denver Customs Clearance Denver Customs Duty Denver Isf Filing Denver More details: Phone : 281-445-9779 Email: info@gallaghertransport.com Website: gallaghertransport.com

    FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

    • Five questions to ask before electrifying your indoor forklift fleet

    • Operator assist system myths busted

    • Three layers of forklift safety: Promoting operating best practices

    • The Complete Guide to Automated Packaging

    View More

    Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

    Get Your Subscription
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • E-NEWSLETTERS
    • ADVERTISING
    • CUSTOMER CARE
    • CONTACT
    • ABOUT
    • STAFF
    • PRIVACY POLICY

    Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing