Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has announced the first successful standards-based, interoperable electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) transaction.
Despite the availability of digital alternatives for years, eBL adoption has remained constrained by platform fragmentation.
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 $6.5 billion in direct cost savings and $40 billion in increased trade that eBLs can deliver, according to McKinsey & Company research.
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This 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.
“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.”
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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 per cent 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.”
