DCSA completes standards-based interoperable eBL transaction, marking major industry milestone

AMSTERDAM, 15 May 2025 - Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) today announces a first successful standards-based, interoperable electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) transaction. This milestone achievement was made possible through collaboration with leading eBL solution providers and marks a significant advancement toward secure, scalable, and truly paperless global trade.Despite the availability of digital alternatives for years, eBL adoption has remained constrained by platform fragmentation. The industry's digital transformation has been hindered by siloed eBL platforms requiring all transaction participants to use the same solution provider. This approach has prevented the widespread adoption needed to capture the estimated $6.5 billion in direct cost savings and $40 billion in increased trade that eBLs can deliver, according to McKinsey & Company research.This successful interoperable eBL transaction represents a breakthrough in addressing these challenges, powered by DCSA's interoperability framework with three essential components:

Platform Interoperability (PINT) API – Standardised integration enabling transfer of DCSA-compliant eBLs between solution providers.
Legal Framework – Multilateral agreement governing the relationships between eBL solution providers and their users in a standardised format.
Control Tracking Registry (CTR) – Secure log tracking which platform controls each eBL, building trust essential for global trade.

Commenting on the successful transaction, John Kim, Senior Manager Digital at HMM, said: "We recognise the value of interoperability between eBL solution providers to achieve DCSA's '100% eBL by 2030' goal. It was an incredible experience to participate in this interoperability pilot as a carrier and see eBL being sent to our shipper, Suzano, on two different platforms in real time.""Suzano's participation in one of the first standards-based interoperable eBL transactions reflects our commitment to innovation and operational excellence," remarked Targe Bock, COO Suzano Europe. "This achievement shows how collaboration can unlock real value and drive efficiencies across the supply chain."Bojan Čekrlić, CEO of CargoX, said: “Global trade needs multiple parties to work, and the digitalisation of trade needs those parties to share data and documentation easily. Concerns around what is truly interoperable and what changes must be made to existing systems have held back adoption of innovations such as eBL. With interoperable eBL, we’ve overcome that obstacle.”Alejandro Pernías, President and CEO at EdoxOnline, commented: "This fully interoperable eBL live transaction demonstrates that title-data can seamlessly be transferred digitally across multiple platforms, streamlining trade execution without relying on a single eBL provider. We remain committed to driving eBL adoption to help the international trade community harness the benefits of going paperless."Meanwhile, more IGP&I approved eBL solution providers are updating their legal frameworks and implementing the interoperability components. Enigio and CargoX are preparing an interoperable transaction with HMM and a Fortune 500 shipper in Q2. WaveBL and TradeGo are preparing their first interoperable transaction with DCSA member-carrier ONE and a large freight forwarder. All other eBL solution providers are preparing for implementation or are welcome to join."The foundation for the digital exchange of shipping documentation and data is in place," said Niels Nuyens, Chief Product Officer at DCSA. "With DCSA standards and interoperability protocols ready, seamless eBL exchange is no longer a myth, it's a reality. The time to act is now: adopt eBLs and help drive the future of digital trade."These developments reflect years of collaboration between DCSA, member-carriers, shippers and eBL providers, all driven by one common goal: 100% eBL adoption by 2030. What began as an industry ambition has transformed into tangible progress, opening the door to a new era where global trade documentation moves at the speed of business, not paper.Visit the DCSA Interoperability page for more information. About DCSADigital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) is a neutral, non-profit organization founded by major ocean carriers to digitize and standardize the container shipping industry. With the mission of leading the industry towards systematic collaboration, DCSA drives initiatives to make container transportation services transparent, reliable, easy to use, secure, and environmentally friendly. DCSA's open-source standards are developed based on input from DCSA member carriers, industry stakeholders, and technology experts from other industries. DCSA member carriers include MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, Yang Ming, HMM, ZIM and PIL.About HMMHMM Company Limited (formerly Hyundai Merchant Marine) is South Korea’s largest shipping company, providing global container, bulk, and intermodal logistics services. Founded in 1976 and headquartered in Seoul and Busan, HMM operates a worldwide network with over 70 offices across five continents. HMM plays a key role in advancing digital transformation in shipping. As a DCSA member carrier, HMM is committed to advancing the digitization of shipping processes and driving industry-wide adoption of standardized, paperless trade and interoperability of maritime logistics systems.About SuzanoSuzano is the world's largest producer of eucalyptus pulp and one of Latin America's largest paper producers. The company is committed to sustainable practices and digital innovation in global trade.About CargoX CargoX is one of the leading providers of blockchain-based electronic trade document solutions, enhancing trust in the digital economy. Its Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT) platform enables the creation, signing and transfer of electronic trade documents, and in 2018 it facilitated the first transfer of a blockchain-based electronic bill of lading (eBL). Today, more than 140,000 businesses and organisations worldwide use the platform, having processed over nine million documents to date.About EdoxOnline EdoxOnline, from Global Share S.A. in Buenos Aires, digitizes trade documents like eBLs, certificates of origin, and phytosanitary certs. Used by exporters, importers, and freight forwarders, it enables secure, real-time collaboration and meets recognized e-trading standards, including those of the International Group of P&I Clubs.

DCSA completes standards-based interoperable eBL transaction, marking major industry milestone

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