The biggest port operator in China, China Merchants Port Group, joined forces with e-commerce giant Alibaba, and its affiliate Ant Financial Group to create a new smart port platform.
Specifically, the three companies will integrate port services, internet, big data, and financial services, by innovating service models with the goal of building an open and interconnected digital port logistics ecosystem.
It is stated that the platform will be based on blockchain technology and will ease trade as buyers and sellers of goods will be able to conduct contactless digital export and import transactions.
In the meantime, the partners will support trade throughout the globe, carry out comprehensive, multi-disciplinary and in-depth cooperation in the countries along the “Belt and Road Initiative”, and build a community of responsibilities, interests and shared future.
Digitalization is playing a major role in today’s shipping industry and has become a part of the shipping market, easing operations.