The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced a groundbreaking achievement with the first successful standards-based, interoperable electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) transaction. This significant milestone, made possible through collaboration with leading eBL solution providers, marks a pivotal step towards secure, scalable, and truly paperless global trade.
For years, despite the availability of digital alternatives, the adoption of eBLs has been hampered by the fragmentation of platforms. This has hindered the industry’s digital transformation, with siloed eBL platforms requiring all participants in a transaction to utilize the same solution provider. This limitation has prevented the widespread adoption necessary to realize the estimated $6.5 billion in direct cost savings and $40 billion in increased trade that eBLs can deliver, according to McKinsey & Company research.
This successful interoperable eBL transaction represents a breakthrough in overcoming these challenges. It was powered by DCSA’s interoperability framework, which includes three essential components:
- Platform Interoperability (PINT) API: A standardised integration enabling the seamless transfer of DCSA-compliant eBLs between different solution providers.
- Legal Framework: A multilateral agreement establishing standardised relationships between eBL solution providers and their users.
- Control Tracking Registry (CTR): A secure log tracking system that monitors platform control of each eBL, building crucial trust for global trade.
John Kim, Senior Manager Digital at HMM, commented on this significant achievement: “We recognise the value of interoperability between eBL solution providers to achieve DCSA’s ambitious ‘100% eBL by 2030’ goal. Participating in this interoperability pilot as a carrier and witnessing an eBL being sent in real-time to our shipper, Suzano, across two different platforms was an incredible experience.”
Targe Bock, COO of Suzano Europe, echoed this sentiment, stating: “Suzano’s involvement in one of the first standards-based interoperable eBL transactions underscores our dedication to innovation and operational excellence. This achievement demonstrates the power of collaboration in unlocking real value and driving efficiencies throughout the supply chain.”
Bojan Čekrlić, CEO of CargoX, highlighted the impact on the industry: “Global trade inherently involves multiple parties, and the digitalisation of trade necessitates the easy sharing of data and documentation among them. Concerns surrounding true interoperability and the potential need for significant system changes have previously held back the adoption of innovations like eBL. With interoperable eBL, we have successfully overcome this critical obstacle.”
Alejandro Pernías, President and CEO at edoxOnline, added: “This fully interoperable eBL live transaction proves that title data can be seamlessly transferred digitally across multiple platforms, streamlining trade execution without the constraints of a single eBL provider. We remain steadfast in our commitment to driving eBL adoption, empowering the international trade community to embrace the benefits of a paperless future fully.”
The momentum for interoperable eBL adoption is growing. Several more IGP&I approved eBL solution providers are currently updating their legal frameworks and implementing the interoperability components. Enigio and CargoX are preparing for an interoperable transaction with HMM and a Fortune 500 shipper in Q2. WaveBL and TradeGo are also gearing up for their first interoperable transaction with DCSA member-carrier ONE and a major freight forwarder. All other eBL solution providers are actively preparing for implementation or are invited to join this transformative movement.
Niels Nuyens, Chief Product Officer at DCSA, emphasized the significance of this development: “The foundational infrastructure for the digital exchange of shipping documentation and data is now firmly in place. With DCSA standards and interoperability protocols readily available, seamless eBL exchange is no longer a distant aspiration; it is a tangible reality. The time to act is now: embrace eBLs and actively shape the future of digital trade.”
These advancements are the result of years of dedicated collaboration between DCSA, its member-carriers, shippers, and eBL providers, all united by a common vision: achieving 100% eBL adoption by 2030. What began as an industry ambition has now evolved into concrete progress, ushering in a new era where global trade documentation moves at the speed of business, not paper.
