Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), an independent, not-for-profit technology consortium building a blockchain-enabled operating system designed to redefine global trade, announced today at TPM Tech a collaboration with Kaleris, a leading provider of supply chain technology solutions for enhanced visibility and accelerated execution across key supply chain nodes and modes. Kaleris’ premier brand of terminal operating systems, Navis, is deployed by more than 500 terminals around the world.

By connecting GSBN to the Kaleris Execution & Visibility Platform, a cloud-based logistics solution that optimizes the movement of goods, terminals leveraging Navis Terminal Operating System (TOS) solutions can have a pre-configured point of integration to support applications on top of GSBN's infrastructure. The Kaleris Execution & Visibility Platform will directly connect to GSBN’s Earliest Receiving Date (ERD) app, which addresses the traditional challenge of tracking ERDs due to their ever-changing nature, a frequent cause of detention and demurrage charge disputes. By employing blockchain technology in the ERD app, GSBN offers exporters a single location to access immutable, up-to-date and accurate ERD data. When used for invoicing by carriers, it also helps reduce disputes between parties.

In addition, Kaleris will leverage GSBN’s network to provide new solutions for Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) that tackle the increasingly complex challenges of a global supply chain, such as unpredictable dwell time, congestion and volatility. BCOs and shipping lines will have access to their own applications in the Execution & Visibility Platform.

Speaking at the TPM Tech Conference, Bertrand Chen, CEO at GSBN, said “Blockchain technology is playing an increasingly important role in bringing together trusted data to enable more resilient and efficient global supply chains. Our collaboration with Kaleris is a major milestone supporting this by building bridges between terminals using Navis solutions and stakeholders across the extended supply chain. We are looking forward to furthering such relationships to expand the use cases GSBN can help solve.”

Scott Holland, Chief Product Officer of Kaleris, said “Kaleris is committed to delivering value to our customers through innovation, and we’re pleased for this opportunity to work together with GSBN as it seeks to support terminals, shipping lines and BCOs with digitalization. Every move matters when it comes to creating the more resilient, visible and connected supply chain of the future, and this collaboration takes an important step toward solving a major challenge in the industry. We hope it’s the first of many additional collaborations with the consortium’s members to drive more value to supply chain stakeholders.”