# Real-Time Freight Data Sharing via Blockchain

> Maersk and IBM developed and operated TradeLens, a global blockchain-based platform for the container logistics sector. The solution enabled real-time sharing of shipping data and documents among all supply chain participants – from ocean carriers and ports to customs authorities. By leveraging Hyperledger Fabric as a permissioned blockchain, an immutable, shared record system was created that digitized paper-based processes and increased transparency across the entire transport chain.

**Sector:** Tertiary sector · **Industry:** Shipping and maritime transport · **Organisation:** Maersk und IBM (TradeLens) · **Maturity level:** Production

Canonical URL: https://www.sapientblock.com/en/use-cases/maersk-frachtdaten-echtzeit-teilen-blockchain

## Documentation status

- **Project status:** Production
- **Evidence:** Evidence high
- **Editorial review:** Ufuk Avci, 12 July 2026

## Description

TradeLens was a digital platform jointly developed and operated by Maersk and IBM, designed to fundamentally change information exchange in global container logistics. Based on Hyperledger Fabric – a permissioned blockchain technology – shipping lines, ports, freight forwarders and customs authorities could collaborate on a shared, tamper-proof data basis and share shipping events and documents almost in real time. The platform was in productive use and processed up to 13 million events and over 100,000 documents per week at its peak before the service was discontinued in March 2023.

TradeLens was gradually introduced from January 2018 and developed into one of the most ambitious blockchain implementations in global trade. The platform is technically based on the IBM Blockchain Platform, which uses Hyperledger Fabric as an open-source, permissioned framework – an approach that enables controlled data access without requiring full disclosure of sensitive business data. In its production phase, TradeLens processed up to 13 million events and more than 100,000 documents per week and was committed to tracking around 20 percent of global container traffic. Over 90 organisations – including shipping companies such as Pacific International Lines and Hamburg Süd as well as customs authorities from Australia, the Netherlands, Peru, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore – had committed early to participation. The documented benefits included increased supply chain visibility, improved operational efficiency, facilitated customs processes through more timely and verifiable data, and better coordination of all parties in real time. IBM discontinued access to the platform on 31 March 2023; according to IBM and the DigitalizeTrade database, no successor product exists, meaning the project is considered discontinued.

## Benefits

- Customs authorities receive more timely, accurate, and verifiable data for more efficient risk assessment and customs clearance.
- Shipping companies and freight forwarders benefit from a shared platform instead of fragmented bilateral data connections.
- Foundation for data-driven decisions and improved customer service through complete supply chain visibility.
- Near real-time access to shipping events and documents for all authorised participants in the supply chain.
- Immutable, shared recording system reduces fraud and data errors.
- Digitalisation of paper-based document exchange between shipping companies, ports, and customs authorities.
- Improved coordination and faster responsiveness to deviations in the transport process.
- Relief from manual data entry and document reconciliation processes.
- Direct access to current, verified shipping information without enquiries to partners.

## Challenges

- The technical integration of existing IT systems from numerous different actors requires considerable effort and coordination.
- Governance issues – especially on a platform dominated by two companies but involving competitors – can hinder willingness to participate.
- The project was discontinued in March 2023, indicating challenges with economic viability or sufficient adoption by all relevant market participants.
- Building a critical mass of participating organisations is essential but difficult to achieve for industry-wide blockchain platforms.
- The introduction of new platform technologies requires training and adjustments to existing work processes.

## Technology foundation

TradeLens is based on the IBM Blockchain Platform, which builds on Hyperledger Fabric – an open-source, permissioned blockchain framework. Unlike public blockchains such as Ethereum, all participants in Hyperledger Fabric are known and must be authorised, making the platform particularly suitable for regulated industries where data privacy, compliance, and controlled data access are essential. The architecture allows various actors – shipping companies, ports, customs authorities, freight forwarders – to collaborate on a shared, tamper-proof data foundation without having to fully disclose proprietary data.

## Sources

- [UN ESCAP: TradeLens Case Study](https://www.unescap.org/sites/default/files/UN-ESCAP-TradeLens-Case-Study.pdf)