Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced the first successful standards-based, interoperable electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) transaction.
This achievement was made possible through collaboration with eBL solution providers and marks an advancement toward secure, scalable, and truly paperless global trade.
Despite the availability of digital alternatives for years, eBL adoption has remained constrained by platform fragmentation, according to DCSA, which says the industry’s digital transformation has been hindered by siloed eBL platforms requiring all transaction participants to use the same solution provider.
This approach has prevented the widespread adoption needed to capture the estimated US$6.5 billion in direct cost savings and US$40 billion in increased trade that eBLs can deliver, according to McKinsey & Company research.
This successful interoperable eBL transaction represents a breakthrough in addressing these challenges, powered by DCSA’s interoperability framework with three essential components:
- Platform Interoperability (PINT) API – Standardised integration enabling transfer of DCSA-compliant eBLs between solution providers.
- Legal Framework – Multilateral agreement governing the relationships between eBL solution providers and their users in a standardised format.
- Control Tracking Registry (CTR) – Secure log tracking which platform controls each eBL, building trust essential for global trade.
Commenting on the successful transaction, John Kim, Senior Manager Digital at HMM, said: “We recognise the value of interoperability between eBL solution providers to achieve DCSA’s ‘100% eBL by 2030’ goal. It was an incredible experience to participate in this interoperability pilot as a carrier and see eBL being sent to our shipper, Suzano, on two different platforms in real time.”
“Suzano’s participation in one of the first standards-based interoperable eBL transactions reflects our commitment to innovation and operational excellence,” remarked Targe Bock, COO of Suzano Europe. “This achievement shows how collaboration can unlock real value and drive efficiencies across the supply chain.”
Bojan Čekrlić, CEO of CargoX, said: “Global trade needs multiple parties to work, and the digitalisation of trade needs those parties to share data and documentation easily. Concerns around what is truly interoperable and what changes must be made to existing systems have held back adoption of innovations such as eBL. With interoperable eBL, we’ve overcome that obstacle.”
Alejandro Pernías, President and CEO at EdoxOnline, commented: “This fully interoperable eBL live transaction demonstrates that title-data can seamlessly be transferred digitally across multiple platforms, streamlining trade execution without relying on a single eBL provider.”
Meanwhile, more IGP&I-approved eBL solution providers are updating their legal frameworks and implementing the interoperability components.
Enigio and CargoX are preparing an interoperable transaction with HMM and a Fortune 500 shipper in Q2. WaveBL and TradeGo are preparing their first interoperable transaction with DCSA member-carrier ONE and a large freight forwarder. All other eBL solution providers are preparing for implementation or are welcome to join.
“The foundation for the digital exchange of shipping documentation and data is in place,” said Niels Nuyens, Chief Product Officer at DCSA. “With DCSA standards and interoperability protocols ready, seamless eBL exchange is no longer a myth, it’s a reality. The time to act is now: adopt eBLs and help drive the future of digital trade.”
