Hong Kong takes the lead in blockchain logistics after Maersk TradeLens demise

by Jeremy

After Danish logistics agency Maersk terminated its blockchain-based provide chain platform final 12 months, trade builders haven’t given up on blockchain purposes in world commerce.

Hong Kong-based International Transport Enterprise Community (GSBN), a non-profit consortium centered on blockchain commerce purposes, is bullish on blockchain as an important logistics software in the long run.

Based on a report by The South China Morning Publish, GSBN presently operates one of many world’s largest platforms that may be described as a substitute for Maersk’s TradeLens software. The platform is predicated on a permissioned blockchain with robust information governance, permitting solely approved events to contribute and eat shipping-related information.

Since launching its blockchain-based delivery platform in 2021, GSBN has tapped main delivery companions like Cosco, OOCL and Hapag-Lloyd. The group has additionally reached partnerships with terminal operators like Hutchison Ports, SPG Qingdao Port, PSA Worldwide, Shanghai Worldwide Port Group and Cosco Transport Ports.

Among the many members, solely German Hapag-Lloyd and Singaporean PSA Worldwide aren’t primarily based in mainland China or Hong Kong.

Regardless of main trade corporations like Maersk terminating related tasks, GSBN CEO Bertrand Chen is assured that blockchain is but to catch on within the trade, however its adoption could take one other decade.

“I feel for lots of people, the clear understanding is that this trade has digitized,” Chen stated, arguing that there’s no probability that world commerce will proceed utilizing “pen and paper” by 2032. Based on the exec, blockchain has potential to assist the trade remodel in response to triggers of provide points like COVID-19. He said:

“Due to COVID-19, as a result of it’s a must to change the method, I feel this is among the common use circumstances of blockchain […] Most likely that’s higher than NFTs of digital artwork. NFTs of paperwork for world commerce — this would be the actual killer use case.”

The chief steered that China was taking lead in blockchain logistics as a result of the nation has been pouring cash into the trade. He additionally acknowledged that many native blockchain options have up to now been extremely particular to China.

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“Whenever you throw a lot cash in a single sector as a result of it’s a coverage, you’re sure doubtlessly to have the ability to get fortunate,” Chen stated. He added that China’s funding in blockchain improvement would undoubtedly profit GSBN by producing extra potential companions for the agency.

GSBN CEO additionally famous that the group has world ambitions and is working to draw extra European delivery strains. The nonprofit even hopes to onboard Maersk someday, however admits that such a situation “could also be barely difficult,” Chen famous.

Hong Kong has been more and more rising as a significant Web3 and cryptocurrency hub over the previous few months, with the native authorities taking motion to undertake clear trade laws. Regardless of a blanket ban on crypto in China, some Chinese language government-related corporations have reportedly been rising fascinated about crypto funding, with state-owned corporations like CPIC launching crypto-related funds in early April.

Journal: Asia Specific: Zhu Su’s trade did $13.64 in quantity akshually, Huobi