IQAX Achieves Global First with DCSA eBL 3.0 API Standard Implementation, Revolutionizing Digital Trade

IQAX, a leading provider of digital trade solutions operating under Orient Overseas (International) Limited (OOIL), the parent company of OOCL, has achieved a global first by successfully implementing the latest Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) 3.0 API standard. This pioneering accomplishment, which went live on June 11 following months of dedicated cooperation, was made possible through a robust collaboration between IQAX, Hong Kong’s independent, not-for-profit technology consortium Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN), and its esteemed carrier members.

The joint effort focused on ensuring that the API-based data exchange is fully compliant and capable of passing the rigorous DCSA end-to-end conformance test. This meticulous approach underscores the commitment of all parties to establishing a secure and reliable framework for digital trade documents.

"As the industry accelerates its transition to digital trade documents, it is vital that GSBN continues to support the diverse needs of all global trade stakeholders," highlighted Bertrand Chen, Chief Executive Officer at Global Shipping Business Network. "With multiple standards and data models emerging across the ecosystem, there is a growing need for a universal 'data adapter' – a mechanism that enables trusted data to be used for different trade scenarios with the proper consent."

George Guo, CEO at IQAX, added, "We are delighted to support our carrier customers who are DCSA members, such as Hapag-Lloyd, in implementing their preferred eBL standard. The IQAX eBL solution is meticulously designed to prioritize the operational needs of container carriers, as powerfully exemplified by this implementation."

Hapag-Lloyd, a prominent container shipping heavyweight headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, adopted the IQAX eBL to issue electronic bills of lading via GSBN’s infrastructure in April 2024. This strategic decision aligns with the company’s broader objective to fully adopt eBLs by 2030, aiming to provide an effective digital solution to mitigate supply chain volatilities. At that time, Hapag-Lloyd, GSBN, and DCSA collaboratively ensured that data sharing adhered to APIs compliant with the DCSA eBL API 3.0, setting a precedent for future implementations.

The adoption of electronic bills of lading has been on a significant upward trajectory, with over 550,000 eBLs processed to date through GSBN’s blockchain-backed infrastructure. Since 2023, the organization has proactively implemented multiple eBL standards, including those from DCSA and the esteemed shipping association BIMCO, demonstrating its commitment to interoperability and widespread adoption.

Looking ahead, GSBN is committed to continued innovation, working on upcoming data models such as the UN/CEFACT Multimodal Transport Reference Data Model and ISO 5909, which precisely specifies the business process and data requirements of eBLs. These efforts are crucial to scaling up the digitalization of trade documents and streamlining global commerce.

Furthermore, GSBN is actively collaborating with the International Chambers of Commerce’s Digital Standards Initiative (ICC DSI) to enhance data harmonization. This collaboration is seen as vital for unlocking the full potential of digital trade, especially given that a lack of efficient digital processes in the current decarbonization landscape in shipping presents a major hurdle toward achieving net-zero emissions.

The Unseen Pathways: A Brief Look at How Cables Enable Digital Trade

While the focus of this news highlights the advancements in digital data exchange, it's worth pausing to consider the fundamental infrastructure that makes such rapid and secure information flow possible: cables. From the vast undersea fiber optic networks connecting continents to the intricate wiring within data centers, cables are the silent heroes of the digital age, enabling the transmission of data that underpins innovations like the eBL.

Fiber Optic Cables: The Information Superhighways: At the heart of global digital communication are fiber optic cables. Unlike traditional copper cables that transmit electrical signals, fiber optic cables transmit data as pulses of light. This fundamental difference offers several significant advantages:

• Immense Bandwidth: A single strand of optical fiber can carry far more data than a copper wire of similar thickness. This massive bandwidth is crucial for handling the ever-increasing volume of digital transactions, large data transfers for eBLs, and real-time communication across vast distances.

• Long-Distance Transmission with Minimal Loss: Light signals travel further with less degradation compared to electrical signals. This allows for intercontinental data transfer with fewer signal amplification points, making global digital trade efficient and reliable.

• Immunity to Electromagnetic Interference: Unlike copper cables, fiber optic cables are not susceptible to electromagnetic interference1 (EMI). This ensures the integrity and security of data, preventing corruption or interception, which is paramount for sensitive trade documents.

Submarine Cables: Bridging Continents: The very backbone of the internet and global digital trade relies on a vast, intricate network of submarine communication cables. These highly engineered cables, often no thicker than a garden hose, contain numerous optical fibers encased in protective layers to withstand the immense pressures and corrosive environment of the deep sea. They are responsible for transmitting over 99% of intercontinental data traffic, directly enabling the instantaneous communication required for eBL validation, supply chain tracking, and international banking. Without these robust and resilient undersea pathways, the concept of a globalized digital trade ecosystem would be impossible.

Ethernet Cables: The Local Connectors: Within offices, data centers, and even on board ships, Ethernet cables (often copper-based, but increasingly fiber optic for higher speeds) provide the crucial local area network (LAN) connections. These cables connect servers, computers, and networking equipment, allowing for the internal exchange of data necessary for processing eBLs, managing databases, and facilitating communication between different departments involved in shipping and logistics. The quality and reliability of these "last mile" connections are just as vital as the international backbone for ensuring seamless digital operations.

The DCSA eBL 3.0 API standard, while a software innovation, relies entirely on the robust and sophisticated infrastructure provided by these diverse types of cables to function effectively. From the moment an eBL is issued to its final validation across continents, it travels through an unseen, yet critical, network of physical connections.

Beyond Hapag-Lloyd, numerous other maritime industry stakeholders have expressed keen interest in issuing electronic bills of lading. All DCSA members, a formidable group comprising industry majors such as MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Evergreen, HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Yang Ming, and ZIM, have collectively committed to a 100% adoption of eBLs by 2030, signaling a clear industry-wide shift towards digitalization.

Further underscoring this momentum, in February 2025, it was revealed that ONE was poised to adopt the latest DCSA’s eBL standard. This significant development marked the second product that the Singapore-based maritime transportation player successfully put into practice via the GSBN platform, building on the successful implementation of cargo release functionalities.

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