The need for complete visibility throughout the supply chain is an ongoing topic of discussion and efforts are being made by many players in the industry to achieve this.
As it continues to record high TEU throughput, the Port of Los Angeles is looking towards a new predictive tool to boost visibility at the port.
The tool, named Horizon, has been launched as part of the port’s Port Optimizer Control Tower data system.
The new module offers cargo owners, terminal operators, truckers and other supply chain stakeholders the capability to gauge movement of containers — imports, exports and empties — at the port up to six months in advance.
This six-month forecast is a huge improvement for all stakeholders as it is not unusual to have limited visibility of container movements.
Blockchain
Following its launch in China, the ongoing efforts of TradeLens has seen the first inland port operator join the blockchain-powered digital container logistics platform.
The Al-Hamd International Container Terminal (AICT) in Pakistan said that joining the TradeLens platform is a “step in the right direction for us in moving closer to our vision of leading the digital change in Pakistan’s logistics ecosystem”.
AICT also said that TradeLens has the potential to be an integral part of the Pakistan Single Window project which aims to reduce the time and cost of doing business in Pakistan. It also sets to make trade related processes efficient and transparent.
Pakistan has committed to launch its single window in 2022.
TradeLens provides transit visibility across permissioned stakeholders through the journey of the cargo from origin to destination as well as safe and secure digital documentation.
Digitalisation
Digital tools and the removal of paper-based transactions are key to enabling supply chain visibility.
The Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) launched the first application of its Cargo Release system in China, following the consortium’s incorporation earlier in 2021.
The consortium said the Cargo Release offers a paperless, highly efficient and transparent solution connecting everyone involved at port of import.
This will help to eliminate the need for paper cargo receipts, increasing the efficiency of trade finance authentication checks and lowering customers’ management costs.
GSBN said that the deployment of Cargo Release in China is of “major significance” because of the nation’s status as one of the most important markets for imports and exports in the world.
