From Ledger Insights, July 10:
The Port of Rotterdam announced it is piloting blockchain tokens for driver authentication during the container unloading process along with CMA-CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC, ONE, and a few others.
Currently, the Rotterdam port uses a PIN code to authorize transport drivers collecting the container on behalf of the freight forwarder. However, this process is not foolproof as the PIN code is transmitted through numerous parties, from the shipping company to the freight forwarder to the transport company, increasing the risk of fraud. Additionally, errors in the PIN-based authorization may lead to delays and complaints.....MORE
Antwerp-based T-Mining is developing the blockchain application that would issue digital tokens representing the pick-up rights of the container. Transport drivers would be given clearance to collect the cargo after transferring the digital token at the terminal. Each token is unique to the container, and blockchain ensures that the authorization cannot be copied or tampered with.
“By taking advantage of new technologies, we can make our port operations smarter, swifter, more efficient and safer,” said Emile
Hoogsteden, Director of Commerce of the Port of Rotterdam Authority. “During this project, the different participants will be using a blockchain application that enables them to safely and efficiently organise the release procedure followed by the various parties in the chain.”...
Seems like a pretty basic use case for blockchain.
Last year's port tech news:
"Port of Rotterdam: Self-Learning Computers Predicting Vessel Arrival Times"
End of an era.
For most of the history of shipping the merchant who knew the arrival time of a cargo, especially a consumable, had an advantage in that they could take their inventory position to flat or maybe even sell forward to avoid getting stuck when supply hit the market.
This ancient tale was in fact the basis of my understanding of speculation....
