Pacific International Lines (PIL) has used an electronic bill of lading (e-BL) built on the IBM Blockchain Platform in a successful real-time pilot tracking of a shipment of mandarin oranges from China to Singapore.

The negotiable e-BL network facilitates trade transactions and settlements and enhances the process of issuing letters of credit (L/Cs) and guarantees.

Time saving

The trial has significantly saved time in the administrative process of transferring the title deed from five to seven days to just one second according to PIL.

This is significant because the bill of lading, typically issued by a shipping carrier to document the title or ownership of goods, also functions as a receipt of goods and a contract of the shipment.

This means document handling is automated, allowing the goods to be delivered more quickly and efficiently.

Trial shipment

Hupco, a major fruit importer in Singapore, took part in the e-BL trial as the consignee of 3,000 cartons of mandarin oranges.

Companies shipping perishable items such as mandarin oranges require faster document processing and expedited cargo clearing for delivery. This shortens the overall shipping time, thus reducing potential risks for retailers and providing fresher options to consumers.

This article represents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the ICC or Coastline Solutions.