• Hong Kong-based OOCL is switching to electronic Bills of Lading (eB/L) to  enhance efficiency of the global supply chain and cut shipments’ carbon footprint 

• eB/L provides a digital channel for all users to access real-time status of the shipping process. eB/L also guarantees security, accuracy, and authenticity of data

• The solution also enables various parties such as shippers, cargo owners, and banks to manage the eB/L and perform title transfers, surrenders for delivery, etc.​

Orient Overseas Container Line said on July 19 that it is switching to electronic Bills of Lading (eB/L) to enhance the efficiency of the global supply chain, reduce the carbon footprint of each shipment, and give customers the ultimate shipping experience.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL is one of the world’s largest integrated international container transportation and logistics companies, with over 125 offices in more than 100 major cities.

OOCL’s eB/L solution is powered by digital solutions provider IQAX Limited and built on Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN)’s blockchain platform.

By leveraging this technology, eB/L provides a digital channel for all involved parties to access the real-time status of the shipping process. eB/L also guarantees the security, accuracy, and authenticity of data, as well as ensures that data on the blockchain network is traceable and from a single source.

The eB/L solution not only offers issuance of online Bills of Lading, but also enables different parties such as shippers, cargo owners, forwarders and banks to manage the eBL and to perform title transfers, surrenders for delivery, status updates and history reviews.​

“The adoption of eBL brings a revolutionary change in business operations. Bills of Lading are at the heart of global trade, and an essential part of the shipment process, but they are also in an excellent position to benefit from exactly this kind of technological advance,” OOCL said.

“Moving from a process of physical posting and collection of paper documents into the new eB/L era will increase security and accuracy, reduce supply chain uncertainties and delays, and control costs.”

As a core part of OOCL’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals, tackling the challenges of climate change and assuring sustainability are a clear priority, the company said.

Switching to a paperless solution enables OOCL to help its customers eliminate waste generation and the consumption of forest resources, and to minimize their carbon footprint by avoiding the need to print and post paper documentation. The adoption of eB/L marks another milestone in the sustainability journey of the company and the industry.

“OOCL has always been a pioneer in deploying the latest technology to drive a real, tangible improvement in operations,” said Kenny Ye, chief operating officer of OOCL.

“Switching to eB/L not only allows us to deliver an enhanced shipping experience to our worldwide customers, but also helps OOCL and our customers achieve multiple goals in terms of reducing costs, enhancing operational efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of our activities.”

Ye said the launch of OOCL’s eB/L show “our commitment to the environment and to providing high quality services. It will continue to be part of our mission to develop and implement further technological advances to assist our customers achieve the optimal shipping solution.”

OOCL’s eB/L is offered to global customers and is recognized by the International Group of P&I Clubs. Registered customers can access the eB/L by logging in  IQAX eB/L’s portal​.