# Automate trade finance shipping documents

> Software provider essDOCS Ltd. partnered with Infosys Finacle in July 2020 to integrate electronic bills of lading and shipping documents directly with a blockchain-based trade finance platform. Connecting CargoDocs DocEx with Finacle Trade Connect enables financial institutions and ocean shipping participants to exchange verified logistics data automatically. This integrated workflow reduces manual paperwork bottlenecks and accelerates documentary trade credit releases across global supply chains.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Shipping and maritime transport · **Organisation:** essDOCS Ltd., Infosys Finacle · **Maturity level:** Pilot

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/essdocs-handelsfinanzierungen-frachtdokumente-automatisieren

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Pilot
- **Evidence:** Evidence medium
- **Editorial review:** pending

## Description

The joint initiative by essDOCS Ltd. and Infosys Finacle targets players in shipping and the banking sector who handle complex foreign trade transactions. In traditional overseas trade, freight documents such as bills of lading must be transported by courier between seller, banks, and buyer, often taking days or weeks. By digitally linking freight document management with a DLT platform, status changes are synchronised in real time and transfer risks minimised.

In maritime trade, the bill of lading is the central ownership document for the transported cargo, whose presentation at the destination port is mandatory for cargo release. The software company essDOCS Ltd. developed the CargoDocs DocEx solution to legally securely manage electronic bills of lading, warehouse receipts, and inspection certificates digitally. Through the cooperation agreed in July 2020 with Infosys Finacle, DocEx was connected to the consortium network Finacle Trade Connect. This interface allows participating banks to automatically process the receipt and verification of digital documents within letters of credit or collections. The seamless data flow closes security gaps, minimises fraud risk from manipulated paper documents, and prevents costly delays in cargo handover at international seaports.

## Benefits

- Lower berth and storage costs in ports due to faster cargo releases
- Increased protection against trade fraud through cryptographically secured proof of ownership
- Direct system connection between shipping software and core banking platforms
- Acceleration of document verification and payment release from several days to a few minutes
- Complete elimination of risks from lost or delayed physical freight documents
- Enhanced audit security through immutable tracking of all status changes
- Elimination of repetitive checking and data entry of paper documents
- Real-time insight into the current document and payment status of each shipment

## Challenges

- Complex integration processes into heterogeneous legacy systems of banks and logistics companies
- Readiness of all correspondent banks to use common DLT standards required
- Lack of worldwide ratification of uniform legal frameworks for electronic negotiable documents
- Need for broad acceptance by all parties involved in the respective trade corridor
- Requirement for training on new digital release and exception handling processes

## Technology foundation

The solution uses the consortium blockchain technology of Finacle Trade Connect for secure and tamper-proof synchronisation of transaction steps. Through integration with essDOCS CargoDocs DocEx, electronic bills of lading (eB/L) and accompanying documents are securely passed to banking systems.

## Sources

- [essDOCS Partners with Infosys Finacle for Blockchain-led Trade Finance Automation](https://www.essdocs.com/press-room/essdocs-partners-infosys-finacle-blockchain-technology-led-trade-finance-automation)
- [essDOCS partners with Infosys Finacle on DLT-based trade finance automation](https://www.commercialpaymentsinternational.com/news/essdocs-partners-with-infosys-finacle-on-dlt-based-trade-finance-automation/)
- [ICE Digital Trade Solution Partners](https://www.essdocs.com/network/partners)
- [CargoDocs DocEx](https://www.finacle.com/app-center-listing/app-center-detail/cargodocs-docex)