CBSA and the Port of Montreal will test a blockchain-based system

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Port of Montreal have agreed to pilot a blockchain-enabled digital shipping solution jointly developed by Maersk and IBM.

The platform, called TradeLens, promotes a more efficient, predictable and secure exchange of information in order to foster greater collaboration and trust across the global supply chain.

The CBSA is participating in the TradeLens pilot to determine what role the platform could play in its business processes. The goal for the Agency is to see if this type of solution can help improve the quality and timeliness of commercial data, increase visibility to cargo movement past the first port of arrival and reduce the number of transactions necessary to make a release decision for shipments.

“TradeLens could create a singular, trusted digital supply chain for all shipments entering Canada,” said John Ossowski, President, CBSA. “The TradeLens pilot gives us an opportunity to not only find process efficiencies and gain analytical insights, but improve data providence, accuracy and targeting capabilities. The end result may be a faster and more reliable national supply chain, which could positively impact Canada’s economic output.”

For the Port of Montreal, TradeLens will to enhance business intelligence for better resource planning based on inbound traffic with upstream visibility.

“We are convinced that joint work on a global scale is part of the key solutions to achieve a better flow of information and goods for the benefit of clients and partners. TradeLens is fully aligned with our objectives and business strategy centred on innovation and efficient shipping,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the MPA