IBM, Maersk to Partner on Blockchain Platform
Maersk and IBM will form a joint venture meant to "provide more efficient and secure methods for conducting global trade using blockchain technology," the companies said in a Jan. 16 blog post. The new company will work to develop a new platform to "provide end-to-end supply chain visibility that enables all actors involved in a global shipping transaction to securely and seamlessly exchange shipment events in real time," it said. The platform will also "digitize and automate paperwork filings for the import and export of goods by enabling end users to securely submit, stamp and approve documents across national and organizational boundaries."
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CBP, the Customs Administration of the Netherlands and DuPont are among those that have piloted the platform, it said. "Additional customs and government authorities, including Singapore Customs and Peruvian Customs, will explore collaborating with the platform to facilitate trade flows and enhance supply chain security," the blog post said. "The global terminal operators APM Terminals and PSA International will use the platform to enrich port collaboration and improve terminal planning. With support from Guangdong Inspection and Quarantine Bureau by connecting to its Global Quality Traceability System for import and export goods, the platform can also link users to important trade corridors in and out of China." CBP said in November it planned to launch a blockchain pilot program in fiscal year 2018 (see 1711080023).