Global Container Terminals (GCT), a container terminal operator in North America, has joined Maersk and IBM's blockchain shipping tool TradeLens.

Adding four Canadian and U.S. terminals to the platform

As part of the initiative, Vancouver-based GCT will gradually roll out the blockchain-based platform at the four terminals it operates, the firm said in a press release on Oct. 17.

GCT wants to use the platform to improve visibility on the cargo supply chain to the east and west coasts of North America.

The platform will establish a secure interconnection between all members of the supply chain, including ocean carriers, cargo owners as well as railways. In addition to two Canadian terminals, GCT Vanterm and GCT Deltaport, which is reportedly Canada’s largest marine terminal, GCT also operates GCT Bayonne in New Jersey and GCT New York.

TradeLens has five of the world’s top ocean carriers

Launched in summer 2018, TradeLens has expanded with five of the world’s top six ocean carriers and ten of GCT’s ocean carrier customers committed to the platform, TradeLens wrote in a separate announcement on Oct. 17. As of September 2019, the platform has amassed over 100 organizations and 55 ports and terminals, as officially reported by Maersk.

In May 2019, TradeLens added two major global shipping firms, Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Co, which is the world's second-largest shipping company, and French CMA CGM, allegedly the fourth-largest container shipping firm in the world. In late August, Thailand’s Customs Department officially announced its plans to use TradeLens to track shipping in Thai ports.