INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services says it has signed on to connect its 31 terminals to the TradeLens platform.
So what is Tradelens you may ask?
Well Tradelens is a blockchain platform jointly developed by corporate giants IBM and Maersk that allows all ICTSI terminals access to information on cargo movements well in advance of vessel arrivals.
ICTSI vice president and chief executive Brian Hibbert reckons that is a pretty darn good thing.
“We are now testing the system and transferring information about loading and discharge of cargo, berthing of vessels to the blockchain platform,” Mr Hibbert says.
“After complete integration of the system, we will be able to optimize work with regulatory authorities, improve our terminals’ visibility to what is coming to them as well as receive updates from the sea carriers online.”
Launched in 2018, the TradeLens ecosystem now includes more than 175 organizations – extending to more than 10 ocean carriers and encompassing data from more than 600 ports and terminals.
According to proponents, it has already tracked 30m container shipments, 1.5bn events and roughly 13m published documents.
TradeLens director of network development Thomas Sproat said the broadening geographic scope of the platform was bolstered by the addition of ICTSI.
“We are excited to welcome ICTSI and eagerly await the creation of new ways of working for shippers and consignees that indirectly utilize their services,” Mr Sproat said.
