MSC Introduces New Electronic Bill of Lading for Customers Worldwide Using Wave BL'S Platform

WAVE BL is a blockchain-based system that uses distributed ledger technology to ensure that all parties involved in a cargo shipment booking can issue, transfer, endorse and manage documents through a secure, decentralised network.

April 28, 2021 - MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company, a global leader in container shipping and logistics, is officially introducing the electronic bill of lading (eBL) for its customers around the world, following a successful pilot phase, using a solution on an independent blockchain platform WAVE BL. The eBL enables shippers and other key supply chain stakeholders to receive and transmit the bill of lading document electronically, without any change or disruption to day-to-day business operations.

WAVE BL is a blockchain-based system that uses distributed ledger technology to ensure that all parties involved in a cargo shipment booking can issue, transfer, endorse and manage documents through a secure, decentralised network. Users can issue all originals, negotiable or non-negotiable, and exchange them via a direct, encrypted, peer-to-peer transmission. It's also possible for users to amend documents. WAVE BL's communication protocol is approved by the International Group of Protection & Indemnity Clubs, and meets the highest industry standards for security and privacy.

"MSC has chosen WAVE BL because it is the only solution that mirrors the traditional paper-based process that the shipping and cargo transportation industry is used to," says André Simha, Global Chief Digital & Information Officer at MSC. "It provides a digital alternative to all the possibilities available with traditional print documents, just much faster and more secure."

The WAVE BL platform can be used free of charge throughout 2021 for exporters, importers and traders. Users only pay for issuing the original documents, and they do not need to invest in any IT infrastructure or make operational changes in order to use the service. They can simply sign up via MSC's website: www.msc.com/eBL.

Saving the Shipping Industry Billions

Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) research indicates that by achieving just 50% eBL adoption by 2030, the industry could potentially save more than USD 4 billion per year. In addition to the significant cost savings, the eBL offers a wide range of benefits to shippers, including eliminating the 'Document transportation' factor from the supply chain. Shippers can instantly transfer original and negotiable electronic documents across borders. The solution enables faster document transfers, which in turn, leads to a shorter payment cycle. And electronic processes are far less susceptible to forgery, fraud, loss or human error.

Gadi Rushin, WAVE BL's CEO and Co-founder, says, "Our goal from the very start has been to change the way the world trades by digitising document workflows while ensuring the highest legal, security and privacy standards. MSC is helping to create a new trade norm that will ultimately affect the rest of the market and save the trade industry billions of dollars."

After running successful pilot projects in select countries since 2019, MSC is now introducing its digital solutions to all customers worldwide, paving the way for widespread eBL adoption. MSC is also exploring other eBL platforms to adapt to market demands.

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is a global leader in container shipping with a fleet of 570 vessels, over 215 routes, and 500 ports of call. To learn more, visit: www.msc.com.

SOURCE: MSC