Contributing to the development of international trade and supply chains through digital platforms.
Simplifying trade-to-trade transportation procedures and ensuring transparency

AP Moller-Maersk and IBM announced plans to establish a joint venture to use blockchain technology to improve the efficiency and security of international trade.

This joint venture will jointly develop and provide an international trade digital platform applicable across the global shipping ecosystem, simplifying procedures and increasing transparency in the transportation of cargo across borders and trade routes.

According to the World Shipping Council (WSC), annual maritime cargo currently exceeds US$4 trillion, with everyday consumer goods accounting for over 80% of this volume. The global trade ecosystem is growing increasingly complex as costs and volumes rise. In particular, the peak cost of processing trade-related documentation is estimated to reach one-fifth of the actual cost of maritime transport. The World Economic Forum predicts that if these obstacles in the global supply chain were removed, international trade volume would increase by approximately 15%, contributing to economic revitalization and job creation.

Blockchain technology is optimized for large-scale networks that connect partners across different regions, enabling all transaction records within the network to be immutably shared, giving all authorized participants access to reliable data in real time. Collaboration between multiple trading partners allows for the sharing of identical transaction details while ensuring the security of details, personal information, and confidential information.


The two companies will leverage blockchain, along with cloud-based technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and analytics provided by IBM Services, to enable digital solutions for the movement and tracking of cross-border cargo. These new technologies will provide a wide range of benefits to customers, including manufacturers, shipping companies, forwarding companies, port/terminal operators, shippers, and customs authorities.

“This new joint venture is a significant milestone in Maersk’s strategy to lead the digitalization of global trade,” said Vincent Clerc, Chief Commercial Officer of Maersk Line, who will serve as Chairman of the new joint venture’s board. “An open and neutral digital platform that enables secure and easy information exchange has enormous growth potential and will benefit all industries along the supply chain.” He continued, “I am confident that the combination of Musk’s trade expertise and IBM’s blockchain and enterprise technology capabilities will bring about meaningful change in global trade in the future.”

Today, the IBM Blockchain Platform empowers hundreds of clients and thousands of developers to build and scale active networks across complex functions such as cross-border payments, supply chains, and digital identity.

“IBM’s advancements in blockchain demonstrate the critical role that technology can play in fostering new business models and building smarter businesses,” said Bridget Van Kralingen, vice president of IBM Global Industry Solutions and Blockchain. “Through this joint venture with Maersk, IBM will accelerate the adoption of this technology across millions of organizations that play a critical role in the global supply chain—one of the most complex and critical networks in the world. We anticipate that blockchain will become a leading way for companies to seize new business opportunities.”