COSCO SHIPPING Lines has undertaken a new pilot project with maritime blockchain platform Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), aiming to improve its ability to digitally share documents and certificates for dangerous and critical cargo transportation.
The pilot was carried out in partnership with Longxing Chemical Stock Co, which is involved in the production of carbon black for rubber products, a flammable material used in the manufacturing of tyres.
As industry best practice, cargo such as carbon black should be certified as safe to transport before it can be accepted by shipping companies for maritime transportation, requiring documents to be submitted during booking.
Longxing has partnered with COSCO to streamline this booking and acceptance process using GSBN’s blockchain-enabled infrastructure, providing COSCO with verifiable safety certifications directly through the digital network.
“COSCO always adheres to the principle of ‘safety first, with a focus on prevention’, implements safety responsibilities, fulfils its duty of transporting customers’ entrusted goods, and ensures the safety of personnel, the environment, vessels, and cargo,” said Capt Wuzhen, Executive Deputy General Manager of Safety & Technology Management Division at COSCO.
“By accelerating digitalisation and intelligent transformation, and focusing on the everlasting theme of ‘safety’ to drive innovative development, the company is committed to working hand in hand with industry partners to explore the optimal path for shipping safety and development.”
Over the past year, GSBN says it has established connections with a range of China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) accredited laboratories across China to support data sharing requirements within its ecosystem.
