Port of Salalah, one of Oman’s largest seaports, has reportedly joined the blockchain-enabled digital shipping solutions platform, TradeLens. As previously reported, the solution was notably developed by IBM and Maersk to apply the blockchain global supply chain.
“TradeLens uses IBM Blockchain technology as the foundation for digital supply chains, empowering multiple trading partners to collaborate by establishing a single shared view of a transaction without compromising details, privacy or confidentiality. Shippers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, port and terminal operators, inland transportation and customs authorities can interact more efficiently through real-time access to shipping data and shipping documents, including IoT and sensor data ranging from temperature control to container weight.”
According to Times of Oman, Port of Salalah recently handled record yearly volume of 4 million TEUs and is working closely with other entities in the supply chain ecosystem in order to introduce digital transformation in its day to day operations. The port also notably sees TradeLens as an important tool that will offer a global transparent standard for collaboration. Mark Hardiman, CEO of Port of Salalah, reportedly stated:
“Joining TradeLens is an important step forward for Port of Salalah in supporting the modernizing of the trade ecosystem. Logistics has been identified as one of the key pillars for economic diversification for the Sultanate of Oman. Adopting and incorporating blockchain technology into all aspects of the supply chain will not only enhance the attractiveness of Salalah for these companies but also support the development of new business models that can further leverage the geographical location of Salalah.”
Thomas Sproat, Director of Network Development at Maersk GTD, added:
“The addition of the Port of Salalah in Oman continues to enhance a strong ecosystem for TradeLens in the Middle East. This ecosystem has the ability to leverage blockchain as one of the major components in spurring further innovation in the region. Integrating data with an important customer such as the port of Salalah is an important milestone for TradeLens and is a stepping stone for collaboration and will open up new ways of working across the supply chain ecosystem to increase efficiencies and visibility for those involved.”