Top container lines commit to only issue eBL's by 2030

Posted on February 20, 2023   |  

DCSA's 9 ocean carrier members committed to converting 50% of original bills of lading to digital within five years and 100% by 2030 to accelerate the digitalization of container trade.

Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) is a neutral, non-profit group founded by big ocean carriers to digitize and standardize the container shipping industry. 

The adoption could save $6.5 billion in direct costs for stakeholders, stimulate $30-40 billion in annual global trade growth, transform the customer experience, and enhance sustainability.

In container shipping, the bill of lading functions as a document of title, a receipt for shipped goods, and a record of agreed terms and conditions as ocean carriers issue 45 million bills of lading a year. 

Manual, paper-based processes are time-consuming, costly, and environmentally unsustainable for stakeholders along complex supply chains. 

Digital processes allow data to flow instantly and securely, reducing delays and waste; transforming document exchange through the eBL will boost digitalization to benefit customers, banks, customs/government authorities, providers of ocean shipping services, and all maritime supply chain stakeholders.