Trade data blockchain consortium Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) is expanding into Europe, with its Cargo Release system being piloted in Rotterdam in The Netherlands.
Cargo Release is a blockchain-enabled application offering a paperless system to connect stakeholders at a port of import, including shipping lines, consignees, their agents, and terminals. The Rotterdam pilot includes container terminal operator Hutchison Ports ECT Rotterdam (ECT), COSCO SHIPPING Lines, freight forwarder OOCL Logistics and trade merchant SUMEC.
“GSBN’s Cargo Release is an important next step in enabling a full digital and secure collaboration between trusted parties in the logistics chain,” said Maarten van Kruijl, Assistant General Manager at COSCO SHIPPING Lines (Netherlands).
“GSBN fully understands our business and has been providing good support in connecting all stakeholders.”
The announcement extends the roll-out of the system following successful deployments in China and across Southeast Asia last year, with GSBN noting that some 10,000 customers have used Cargo Release to exchange information to date.
“The rollout of Cargo Release in Europe is a significant milestone for GSBN and a testament to the growing pace of digital transformation in the shipping industry,” said Bertrand Chen, CEO at GSBN.
“The resilience and efficiency of supply chains has never been of greater importance and the digital leap of the industry is key to achieving this.”
