Nine leading global carriers belonging to the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) have committed themselves to adopting electronic Bills of Lading (eBLs) based on DCSA standards by 2023.
According to estimates provided by DCSA, going paperless could save stakeholders $6.5 billion in direct costs and boost global trade by $30 to $40 billion annually.
The ocean bill of lading, also known as a Bill of Lading (B/L), is the main document in use in maritime transport, certifying goods have been embarked on a specifically designated vessel from a port of departure to a designated port where they are to be unloaded.
According to the specialized publication www.splash247.com, ocean carriers issue around 45 million bills of lading per year. In 2021, only 1.2% of these were electronic.
“The digitalisation of international trade holds vast potential for the world economy,” said Thomas Bagge, CEO of DCSA. The adoption of digital B/Ls “heralds the start of a new era in container shipping as the industry transitions to scaled automation and fully paperless trade.”
Translation by Giles Foster
