DP World, one of the largest ports and terminals operators of the world, has launched a process to join TradeLens, a blockchain-based digital container logistics platform, developed by AP Møller – Maersk and IBM.
DP World aims to connect all its 82 marine and inland container terminals, as well as feeder companies and logistics divisions with TradeLens. In 2019 DP World’s terminals handled 71.2 million TEU from around 70,000 vessels.
TradeLens brings together data from the entire global supply chain ecosystem including shippers, port operators and shipping lines. It also aims to modernise manual and paper-based documents, replacing them with blockchain-enabled digital solutions.
The blockchain platform provides visibility across the entire supply chain, from booking to clearance to payments and is built on a wealth of input from the industry including direct integrations with more than 110 ports and terminals, 15+ customs authorities around the world and an increasing number of intermodal providers.
“Modernising the processes by which logistics operate is critical to building more robust and more efficient supply chains which will help economic development and generate more prosperity,” commented Ahmed Bin Sulayem, group chairman and chief executive officer of DP World.
For DP World the data from its integration with TradeLens will improve operational efficiency with earlier visibility of container flows across multiple carriers, according to the joint announcement.
Such visibility includes confirmation of the transport modality that follows the port stay for each container, which in heavy transhipment or rail ports enable better yard planning. It will also expand the capabilities of DP World’s digital platforms created to move online the management of logistics.
“With four of the five largest global port operators actively engaged with TradeLens, the coverage of the ecosystem continues to expand rapidly,” Mike White, CEO GTD Solutions and Head of TradeLens, said.
DP World has already connected Cochin Port (India) with the TradeLens platform via API technology. Plans to collaborate with other DP World business units, including the feeder line Unifeeder, have also been initiated.
