ZIM signs up for Maersk-led TradeLens

In an important blockchain breakthrough for liner shipping, Maersk has found another rival to sign up to TradeLens, its platform launched last year with IBM.

Israeli carrier ZIM has signed up to participate in TradeLens, a blockchain-enabled documentation system designed to smooth bureaucracy between carriers, freight forwarders, customs officials and port authorities.

ZIM joins Pacific International Lines (PIL) as the only non-Maersk related carriers to have opted for TradeLens with rival platforms giving it strong competition.

Eyal Ben Amram, ZIM’s CIO, commented today: “We are very pleased to join TradeLens, as part of our vision to be at the forefront of digital innovation in shipping. ZIM endorses a proactive approach of promoting and investing in innovative digital solutions, such as the pioneering blockchain-based electronic Bill of Lading initiative, in collaboration with Wave Inc, and the recent investment in Ladingo, a ground-breaking e-commerce solution.”

“ZIM will bring a strong ethos of digital innovation to the TradeLens ecosystem and we’re thrilled to welcome their team. TradeLens has made great progress in bringing transformation to traditional shipping processes through technology that enables greater transparency and efficiency,” said Mike White, TradeLens leader for Maersk. “What makes the solution so effective is its ability to deliver these benefits while still allowing carriers like ZIM and others to maintain their competitive advantages. The more carriers and other ecosystem members that join the platform, the closer we come to bringing about a new era in global trade.”

More than 5m shipments have been recorded on TradeLens to date by more than 60 network members and 100 total ecosystem members. ZIM is expected to begin contributing data to the platform before the end of 3Q 2019.