Hapag-Lloyd and ONE joining TradeLens

   Hapag-Lloyd and Ocean Network Express said Tuesday they will join TradeLens, a blockchain-enabled digital shipping platform developed by A.P. Møller – Maersk and IBM.
   TradeLens said the scope of the platform now extends to more than half of the world’s ocean container cargo as well as members of all three of the major space-sharing alliances in the major east-west trade lanes. In May, TradeLens said CMA CGM and Mediterranean Shipping Co. would join the platform, which also includes 3PLs, inland and intermodal transportation providers, ports and terminals in addition to ocean carriers as members.
   “Expanding digital collaboration is critical to the evolution of the container shipping industry,” said Martin Gnass, managing director of information technology at Hapag-Lloyd. “TradeLens has made significant progress in launching a much-needed transformation in the industry, including its partnership model. Now, with five of the world’s six largest carriers committed to the platform, not to mention many other ecosystem participants, we collectively can accelerate that transformation to provide greater trust, transparency and collaboration across supply chains and help promote global trade.”
    Noriaki Yamaga, managing director for corporate and innovation for Ocean Network Express, said, “We believe this innovative approach based on open standards and open governance can benefit the entire industry while ultimately benefiting our customers.” ONE is a joint venture of Japan’s three largest shipping companies: NYK, MOL and “K” Line.
   TradeLens enables participants to digitally connect, share information and collaborate across the shipping supply chain ecosystem.
    “As a neutral industry platform, TradeLens offers supply chain visibility, ease of documentation and the potential of introducing new products on top of the platform,” said Vincent Clerc, chief commercial officer for A.P. Møller – Maersk.