Digitizing the global supply chain

TradeLens is an open and neutral supply chain platform underpinned by blockchain technology. We are enabling true information sharing and collaboration across supply chains, thereby increasing industry innovation, reducing trade friction and ultimately promoting more global trade.

The TradeLens platform has been jointly developed by IBM and GTD Solution, a division of Maersk. Together each partner works to ensure the product and business model is aligned to meeting the needs of the shippers and supply chain operators around the world.

TradeLens objectives

Connecting the ecosystem

We are  relentlessly focused. We are bringing together all parties in the supply chain—including traders, freight forwarders, inland transportation, ports and terminals, ocean carriers, customs and other government authorities—onto a single, secure data-sharing and collaboration platform. on creating value for the entire Ecosystem. 

Fostering collaboration and trust

We are enabling the digitization and automation of cross-organizational business processes integral to global trade, including import and export clearance, and—thanks to blockchain—ensuring all documents and data are secure, auditable.

Driving true information sharing

We are providing for the seamless, secure sharing of real-time, actionable supply chain information across all parties—encompassing shipping milestones, cargo details, trade documents, customs filings, sensor readings and more.

Spurring innovation

We are laying the foundation for ongoing improvement and innovation through an open API environment, the use of standards and promotion of interoperability, and the launch of an Applications Marketplace that allows third parties to build and deploy applications on the TradeLens platform.

TradeLens journey

January 2018

At THINK '18 in San Fransisco, IBM and Maersk announce the intention to form a business collaboration to build a digital platform in concert with the shipping industry.

August 2018

TradeLens is formally announced to the world. Simultaneously the TradeLens beta product and early adopter program launch.

December 2018

TradeLens launches commercial product offering, more than one million shipping events per day publish to the platform.

June 2019

The TradeLens ecosystem gains new members as four of the six largest ocean carriers in the world join Maersk in support of TradeLens.

December 2019

The first Customs Authorities sign MOUs with TradeLens to simplify customs clearance and risk assessment procedures.

October 2020

CMA-CGM and MSC complete data integration with the TradeLens platform.

January 2021

TradeLens launches the industry’s first truly end-to-end electronic bill of lading.

May 2021

TradeLens is available in China through collaboration with China Unicom Digital Tech.

June 2021

Hapag Lloyd and ONE complete integration with the platform.

December 2021

Sri Lanka’s first ever digital bill of lading completed on the TradeLens platform.

February 2022

Syngenta and HSBC complete an end-to-end paperless trade finance transaction on the TradeLens platform

Ecosystem and member advocacy

Since its inception, TradeLens - and its ecosystem of members - have experienced tremendous growth and expansion. The value of the TradeLens platform will continue to grow by incorporating the needs of the industry it represents. To this end, in 2020 - pending legal and regulatory approval - we will launch the TradeLens Customer Advisory Board. The Board will be the voice of the TradeLens Ecosystem and comprised of a cross section of member organizations.

The Board will ensure TradeLens product development is aligned and prioritized in accordance with the values of its membership. Additionally, the board will play a key role in advocating for the growth and increased relevance of TradeLens across the industry.

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Recent blog posts

We care about the intersection of trade and technology. On our blog, we publish inspirational, informative and insights-driven stories from within TradeLens and from across the global supply chain. And, of course, we keep everyone up-to-date with the latest updates on our platform.

Digitization

Advancing eBL adoption and the role of MLETR

The global acceptance of eBL is in motion, how can MLETR and other legislative initiatives help?

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Electronic Bills of Lading

Unlocking the digital world with TradeLens

We sat down with senior global trade experts, Diana Jones, Director of Solution Architecture, and Juanjo Ruiz, Strategy and Business Development at TradeLens to discuss the proliferation of electronic bills of lading (eBL) and the disruption of blockchain as an emerging technology with a substantial opportunity to support banks with unlocking a $3.4 trillion trade gap in the trade finance market. The following is a Q&A on these topics.

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Press Release

Citi Completes First Pilot Transaction on the TradeLens Platform in Asia Pacific

Bangladesh/Hong Kong – Citi Treasury and Trade Solutions (TTS) Asia Pacific has completed its first pilot paperless trade finance transaction using the TradeLens platform. Leveraging blockchain technology supplied by TradeLens, the pilot illustrates the effectiveness of the technology to improve supply chain efficiency by significantly reducing document processing lead times.

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