Commercial Port of Vladivostok is one of the first in Russia to join the TradeLens blockchain platform. The platform is being developed by GTD Solution Inc., a subsidiary of the largest container carrier Maersk, and the American IT giant IBM. TradeLens optimizes transportation and tracking of goods through the exchange of data and digitized documents between cargo owners, shipping companies, customs authorities, port and terminal operators.
“We are now testing the system and transferring information about loading and discharge of cargo, berthing of vessels to the blockchain platform. After complete integration of the system, we will be able to optimize work with regulatory authorities, reduce the time required for processing documents and receive updates from the sea carrier online”, said Anton Popov, director of the IT department in Commercial Port of Vladivostok.
TradeLens allows carriers and cargo owners to not only exchange transaction information in real time, but also send trade documents to each other. Blockchain technology helps to reduce the processing time of paper documents, making it faster and easier to issue bills of lading for cargo, sanitary certificates, invoices for payment and other types of documentation.