Haifa, Israel — ZIM Integrated Shipping Services announced today that it has signed on as a member of TradeLens, a blockchain-enabled digital shipping solution jointly developed by A.P. Moller – Maersk (MAERSKb.CO) and IBM (NYSE: IBM).

TradeLens uses blockchain technology to enable trust between multiple trading partners — from carriers to freight forwarders, customs officials, port authorities and more — when transacting in a digitized global trade documentation process. TradeLens ecosystem members get a single shared view of a transaction without compromising details, privacy or confidentiality and can collaborate more efficiently and with greater certainty through real-time access to shipping data and shipping documents.

As a leading carrier in the global container shipping industry, ZIM has a corporate vision to promote technological innovation in all aspects of its operations. By joining TradeLens, ZIM can continue its push toward digitizing its processes to enable efficiencies and cost savings to the company and the customers by enabling greater transparency and more efficient processes.

Eyal Ben Amram, ZIM CIO: “We are very pleased to join TradeLens, as part of our vision to be at the forefront of digital innovation in shipping. ZIM endorses a proactive approach of promoting and investing in innovative digital solutions, such as the pioneering blockchain-based electronic Bill of Lading initiative, in collaboration with Wave Inc, and the recent investment in Ladingo, a ground-breaking e-commerce solution.”

“ZIM will bring a strong ethos of digital innovation to the TradeLens ecosystem and we're thrilled to welcome their team. TradeLens has made great progress in bringing transformation to traditional shipping processes through technology that enables greater transparency and efficiency,” said Mike White, TradeLens leader for Maersk. “What makes the solution so effective is its ability to deliver these benefits while still allowing carriers like ZIM and others to maintain their competitive advantages. The more carriers and other ecosystem members that join the platform, the closer we come to bringing about a new era in global trade.”

“The addition of ZIM to TradeLens shows exactly why we worked with Maersk to create this solution,” said Daniel Melka, Country General Manager, IBM Israel. “Blockchain networks like TradeLens work best when comprised of a diverse network of participants who work together to affect change for an entire industry, which is what we are seeing happen with TradeLens.”

More than five million shipments have been recorded on TradeLens to date by more than 60 network members and 100 total ecosystem members. ZIM is expected to begin contributing data to the platform before the end of 3Q 2019.

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About ZIM

Since 1945, ZIM provides creative operational and logistical solutions to customers. Over the years ZIM has grown to become a leading force in the shipping industry, by pioneering innovative technologies and expanding its vast geographical network while maintaining its tradition of excellence.

https://www.zim.com/

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About TradeLens

The TradeLens platform has been jointly developed by Maersk and IBM. TradeLens is an open and neutral industry platform underpinned by blockchain technology, supported by major players across the global shipping industry. The platform promotes the efficient, transparent and secure exchange of information in order to foster greater collaboration and trust across the global supply chain.

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Media contacts

Avner Shats, Global Marketing
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
(Israel) +972.4.865.2520
shats.avner@zim.com

Janina von Spalding, Press Officer
A.P. Møller - Mærsk A/S
(Denmark) +45 3363 1979 / Mobile: +45 2176 2454
Janina.vonspalding@maersk.com

Hannah Slocum, Global External Communications
IBM
(New York) +1-978-877-0105
hslocum@us.ibm.com