Picture used for illustrative purpose only.

DP World has announced the completion of the early stages of the integration with TradeLens, a blockchain-based digital container logistics platform, jointly developed by A.P. Moller - Maersk and IBM.

The collaboration between DP World and the TradeLens platform will help accelerate the digitisation of global supply chains. 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 (twenty-foot equivalent units) containers 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.

TradeLens 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 plus customs authorities around the world and an increasing number of intermodal providers.

For DP World the data from its integration with TradeLens will improve operational efficiency with earlier visibility of container flows across multiple carriers. It will also expand the capabilities of DP World’s digital platforms created to move online the management of logistics.

The DF Alliance, SeaRates, LandRates and AirRates enable shippers to move cargo to and from anywhere at the click of a mouse, across DP World’s network and beyond.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World, said, “DP World is working to deliver integrated supply chain solutions to cargo owners, backed by our global network of ports, terminals, economic zones and inland operations. By working with TradeLens we will accelerate the digitisation of global trade.”

Vincent Clerc, CEO of Ocean and Logistics, A.P. Moller - Maersk said, “It is very encouraging to see the continued adoption of the TradeLens platform among global logistics players as it helps global supply chain customers expand and explore the benefits of digital documentation flows.”

Mike White, CEO GTD Solutions and Head of TradeLens said,”With four of the five largest global port operators actively engaged with TradeLens, the coverage of the ecosystem continues to expand rapidly.”

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.

In April, DP World has launched cutting-edge online logistics tools and services, covering sea, land and air shipping around the world.

According to a press statement, the connected ecosystem of platforms will enable freight forwarders and any business, to book shipments of cargo from and to anywhere in the world, by any combination of sea, land and air.

The initiative represents a major step forward in digitising the management of logistics to increase the efficiency, visibility and the resilience of global supply chains. DP World has accelerated the already planned roll-out of the platforms to help companies meet the challenge of the COVID-19 crisis and keep trade flowing including vital food and medical supplies.

The initiative follows DP World’s acquisition of SeaRates.com, a digital platform that enables customers to transport cargo worldwide at the click of a mouse, along with LandRates.com and AirRates.com.

DP World has also created the Digital Freight Alliance which is an online association that brings freight forwarders globally onto one platform, giving them access to new tools, routes and services, and enabling them to do more business anytime anywhere.

DP World Chief Operating Officer for Logistics and Technology, Mike Bhaskaran, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that we must do all we can to make supply chains stronger to keep trade flowing, even in times of unprecedented challenges for the world. DP World’s vision is to digitalise supply chains leveraging our worldwide infrastructure of ports, terminals, economics zones and other assets.

Our new platforms are moving the management of moving cargo online. It will enable our customers to be more efficient and increase the visibility and predictability of supply chains. This will help them to grow their businesses, and ultimately keep countries supplied with the vital goods they need in the crisis.”

DP World’s growing global network of ports, terminals and economic zones are the bedrock of the business with more than 150 operations in over 50 countries. The digital trade and logistics platforms will leverage this vast network of real-world infrastructure to offer end-to-end supply chain services.

WAM