
Global Container Terminals (GCT), a major container terminal operator in North America, has joined the TradeLens supply chain platform, underpinned by blockchain technology.
TradeLens is an open and neutral industry platform for global trade, underpinned by blockchain technology and supported by major industry players. The platform is meant to promote a more efficient, predictable and secure exchange of information to foster greater collaboration and trust across the global supply chain.
GCT operates four strategically located, big-ship-ready terminals on the West and East Coasts of North America. Through GCT USA on the East Coast, the company operates two facilities: GCT New York on Staten Island, N.Y., and GCT Bayonne in Bayonne, N.J. On the West Coast, GCT Canada operates two gateway terminals: GCT Vanterm and GCT Deltaport in Vancouver and Delta, Canada.
“GCT remains committed to leading in innovation, value and safety,” Doron Grosman, president and CEO of GCT, said. “Joining a technology platform like TradeLens only adds to our capability to deliver best-in-class service and visibility to our supply chain partners. As competition increases from other ports and customer demands intensify, we need to activate every solution to increase cargo velocity through our terminals and improve performance.”
By joining TradeLens, GCT said it is ready to securely connect with supply chain partners, including ocean carriers, beneficial cargo owners and railways. The TradeLens technology platform provides end-to-end supply chain information, facilitating seamless data sharing, collaboration and improved trade flows.
“We are thrilled to have GCT join TradeLens and connect to a flexible business platform designed to spur innovation. Integrating data with ports, terminals, logistics providers, shippers, and carriers is essential for the vision of TradeLens to realize new ways of working within a collaborative industry ecosystem. GCT’s connection to TradeLens strengthens this new era of transparency and collaboration for the global supply chain,” Mike White, CEO of Maersk GTD and head of TradeLens, said.
TradeLens is rapidly expanding with five of the world’s top six ocean carriers and 10 of GCT’s ocean carrier customers committed to the TradeLens platform.
“We are pleased to see more leading organizations from across the shipping industry sign on to the platform,” Eyal Ben-Amram, chief information officer of ZIM, an Israeli international cargo shipping company, said. “As TradeLens evolves, it is critical more supply chain partners participate to facilitate an open and transparent approach to information sharing. This enhanced level of visibility and efficiency will ultimately benefit the entire industry and our customers.”
TradeLens, jointly developed by Maersk and IBM, now includes more than 100 organizations. This includes carriers, ports, terminal operators, 3PLs, freight forwarders and shippers from around the world.