Halifax Port Authority joins digital global shipping platform

August 9, 2018, Halifax, Nova Scotia – The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is pleased to announce it has been invited to join a digital global shipping platform developed by Maersk and IBM through a Collaboration Agreement. HPA will participate in a blockchain-focused global trade digitization solution known as TradeLens.

The goal is to develop a highly secure digital ledger system that promotes the sharing of information across the global shipping industry which can reduce costs, improve productivity, increase the speed of the delivery of goods, and provide transparency. The Maersk-IBM Blockchain will enable the needed safety and security for the digital platform.

The new collaboration will integrate global shipping and trade partners including terminals, shippers, freight forwarders and ports to provide a single shared and trusted view of supply chain transactions. The platform will reduce paperwork with a digital process for documents, offering the potential for significant economic efficiency and improved security. This technology can reduce the need for multiple records and documents that are produced at each point in the supply chain.

“Just think of what can be accomplished when we combine our local knowledge with global expertise provided through the Maersk-IBM Collaboration Agreement,” said Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “The timing couldn’t be better. Digitization is the efficiency vehicle for the global supply chain, and considerable work is being done in Halifax right now through the recently established Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) and Volta Labs innovation hub. Through our involvement in TradeLens, we are taking the next steps to ensure the Port of Halifax is on the leading edge.”

“We’re excited to have Halifax Port Authority joining the TradeLens platform,” said Mike White, TradeLens leader for Maersk.  “Halifax Port Authority is an important player in the development of this fully open and neutral platform – it’s great to have them as an early adopter in this growing ecosystem.”

About the Port of Halifax:

The Port of Halifax is Canada’s Ultra Atlantic Gateway, connecting to more than 150 countries and generating over $1.7 billion in annual economic benefit from a diverse cargo and cruise business. Offering a natural, deep harbour and world-class infrastructure, Halifax can accommodate large volumes of containerized cargo, bulk cargo and project cargo of any size. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Lane Farguson
Communications Advisor
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]