COSCO and GSBN have been working for over a year to digitalise cargo booking and implement safe transportation certificates. Credit: Sheila Fitzgerald/Shutterstock.

COSCO Shipping Lines (COSCO) and the Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN) have announced a pilot programme to improve the digital sharing of documents and certificates for dangerous and critical cargo transportation.

This initiative, in partnership with Longxing Chemical, leverages GSBN’s blockchain-enabled infrastructure to streamline the safe transport of hazardous materials such as carbon black.

COSCO and GSBN have focused on digitalising cargo booking processes, collaborating for over a year to implement digital safe transportation certificates.

The new pilot aims to simplify the complex document submissions required during the booking process.

Longxing Chemical will partner with COSCO to optimise the booking and acceptance processes for carbon black by providing safety certifications verified through GSBN’s network of China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment (CNAS) accredited testing laboratories.

COSCO safety and technology management division executive deputy general manager Capt. Wuzhen said: “COSCO always adheres to the principle of “safety first, with a focus on prevention,” implements safety responsibilities, fulfils its duty of transporting customers’ entrusted goods, and ensures the safety of personnel, the environment, vessels, and cargo.

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“By accelerating digitalisation and intelligent transformation and focusing on the everlasting theme of “safety” to drive innovative development. The company is committed to working hand in hand with industry partners to explore the optimal path for shipping safety and development.”

GSBN has connected with major CNAS-accredited laboratories in China, creating an ecosystem to support the testing needs of carriers and customers.

GSBN CEO Bertrand Chen said: “GSBN is ready to partner with carriers and customers to respond with a framework and the infrastructure necessary to help enhance safe transportation by facilitating trusted information exchange.

“At stake is the need to balance the increasing demands of global trade with the safety of crew and the impacts on the environment.”

In early December 2024, CVC Testing Technology, a laboratory for lithium battery testing, joined GSBN as the fifth laboratory member, enhancing carriers’ access to essential test reports.

The goal is to set new safety standards to prevent fires and explosions on vessels and terminals globally, the company stated.

In July 2024, COSCO entered into a memorandum of cooperation with the Australian green technology company Fortescue to collaborate on developing low-emission shipping fuel and its supply chain.