Pacific International Lines (PIL) has partnered with digital trade solutions provider WaveNL to offer an expanded range of electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) solutions.

PIL said the proven eBL solution, which also has a user-friendly interface, will significantly improve the ease, security, efficiency, and sustainability of PIL's trade documentation process.

It will also provide a fuss-free experience for customers who will not be required to pre-register, making it a seamless transition to using eBL for shipments.

"A unique feature of the eBL allows the shipper to be on the platform without the consignee needing to be," PIL said.

PIL noted that it has been embarking on a wide range of digitalisation initiatives focusing on the ease of doing business, and joining the WaveBL Network reinforces its commitment to driving connectivity and efficiency across its global operations and enhancing customer satisfaction.

"PIL's digital initiatives are a means to support our customers and their needs as well as improve efficiencies. We remain strongly committed to enhancing human interactions and relationships," said Lionel Chatelet, chief commercial officer of PIL.

He added that PIL is pleased to partner with WaveBL to offer an advanced eBL solution to its customers to better streamline transactions, reduce costs, improve productivity and contribute to carbon footprint reduction for us and our customers.

"We are leveraging this partnership with Wave BL to upgrade our internal processes to make sure that the efforts made by our customers to switch to eBL will be translated into an immediate improvement to the way we are managing their documents and their shipments. We hope that we, along with shipping lines, customers, eBL solution providers, and financial institutions, will be able to collectively convert more customers to eBL solutions," Chatelet further said.

Noam Rosenberg, chief executive at WaveBL, said the company is also "thrilled" to welcome PIL to WaveBL's rapidly growing network as it becomes the company's fifth carrier business partner.

"PIL's commitment to sustainability and digital innovation mirrors WaveBL's mission to revolutionize global trade through secure and efficient digital solutions. Together, we aim to drive connectivity and redefine industry standards," Rosenberg added.

PIL's integration into the WaveBL Network is a positive contribution towards advancing digitalisation within the global shipping industry as the shipping sector continues to evolve towards more efficient, secure, and sustainable trade practices.

An eBL makes document creation, approval, distribution and tracking easier, helping to cut costs while reducing potential fraud and eliminating the risk of paper documents being lost in transit. Committed to sustainability and digital transformation, PIL recently joined DCSA (Digital Container Shipping Association) to accelerate its digital ambitions and enhance operational efficiencies.