Blockchain, News | June 18, 2018 By: David Pimentel
The Port of Rotterdam Authority in the Netherlands has partnered with blockchain startup CargoLedger to make the supply chain in the port paperless and facilitate immediate handling and payment of port dues.
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. From 1962 until 2004 it was the world’s busiest port, now overtaken first by Singapore and then Shanghai. The objective of the Port of Rotterdam Authority is to enhance the port’s competitive position as a logistics hub and world-class industrial complex. Not only in terms of size, but also with regard to quality.
CargoLedger develops blockchain solutions that make the handling and dispatch of cargo easier, more transparent and safe. Shipments are labelled and dispatched. After scanning the label, the recipient immediately gains insight into a variety of cargo conditions, including the shipment’s temperature, humidity level and state.
The Port of Rotterdam Authority’s partnership with CargoLedger is part of the port’s annual PortXL innovation accelerator, which brings innovators from all over the world to Rotterdam to further develop their technologies. The pilot project with CargoLedger will test whether the firm’s blockchain system simplifies the handling and dispatch of cargo.
“Rotterdam is a pioneering port. This means that we constantly work to determine how we can do things smarter, more efficiently, better and more sustainably,” said Port Authority CEO Allard Castelein. “A program like PortXL is important because it offers global innovators all kinds of scope, opportunities and support, enabling them to continue working on the port of the future during their time in Rotterdam.”
Last year, the Port of Rotterdam Authority, in partnership with the municipality of Rotterdam, opened a blockchain research lab called Blocklab. Last month, four consortia developed a working prototype in which blockchain technology is used for the energy market. They have worked on this for the past six months, with support from and under the direction of Blocklab.
