The Digital
Container Shipping Association (DCSA) announced that the nine ocean carriers
committed to 100% adoption of an electronic bill of lading (eBL) based on DCSA
standards by 2030.
The container shipping
companies commit to converting 50% of original bills of lading to digital
within five years and 100% by 2030 to accelerate the digitalisation of
container trade.
According to
DCSA’s statement, moving away from physical paper bills of lading may save
stakeholders US$6.5 billion in direct expenses, enabling US$30-40 billion in
yearly global trade growth, enhancing the consumer experience, and increasing
sustainability.
The bill of lading is one of
the most important trade papers in container shipping, serving as a
title document, a receipt for transported products, and a record of agreed-upon
terms and conditions.
“I am delighted
that carriers are taking this big step towards paperless trade. Μoving to 100%
eBL will contribute towards our climate goals, as we move towards net zero
2050,” stated Soren Toft, CEO of MSC.
Every year, around
45 million bills of lading are issued by ocean carriers and according to DCSA,
only 1.2% of these were electronic in 2021.
DCSA further noted
that transforming document interchange through the eBL will advance
digitisation, benefiting consumers, banks, customs/government officials, ocean
shipping service providers, and other participants in the marine supply chain.