ZIM is moving onto the next phase of its electronic bill of lading initiative.

According to ZIM, it has successfully tested dozens of shipments with multiple freight forwarders and BCOs using electronic versions of the bills of lading, and plans to roll out the initiative to customers on the Asia-South Africa and North America-Mediterranean trade lanes during the first quarter of 2019.

“Having gained considerable experience with this revolutionary technology, we are now moving forward,” said Eyal Ben-Amram, CIO of ZIM. “It’s part of our commitment to maximize digitization, and at the same time enhance our customer service levels and nurturing customer relations.”

The new solution is based on blockchain technology and enables the secure digital exchange of original documents, saving time and costs. In two recent transactions, original bills of lading were transferred to the receiver within less than two hours from the vessel’s departure. The process conventionally takes days or weeks. All documentation processes, including endorsements and ownership transfer were also performed over the platform.

ZIM launched the paperless initiative in November 2017.