Handling physical paper leads to processes that are cumbersome, outdated, time consuming, and error prone. And that’s exactly why Hapag-Lloyd would like to invite you to take advantage of a service that allows you to shift to digitally exchanging a key trade document without using any paper: the electronic bill of lading (eBL).
eBLs are digital versions of paper BLs that carry the same legal validity as their traditional counterparts while amplifying security and efficiency. Compared to paper BLs, eBLs are much more convenient. Using eBLs enables quick exchange of shipping documents between all parties involved and thereby greatly reduces your transfer and handling times.
Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG
“We are committed to converting 50% of original bill of lading activities to digital within five years, and 100% by 2030 in our respective carrier organizations. This represents a significant change for our industry, and we do not take this commitment lightly. We are convinced that the benefits it will bring to customers and global trade are too important to ignore. We ask that all parties involved – shippers, forwarders, governments, financial institutions, and insurance agencies – work together to make this commitment a reality.”
Increased Efficiency
eBLs enable immediate generation, access, and transfer of your shipping documents to all relevant parties, enhancing the entire logistics process and accelerating decision-making. Intuitive integration options further accelerate your daily operations.
Unmatched Security
Thanks to a secure blockchain technology and certified world-class eBL solution providers, your documents are protected from fraud and forgery while carrying the same legal weight as paper BLs.
Saved Costs
Cut costs on printing, couriers, storage, and error correction, while also being more environmentally friendly than paper BLs.
To offer you flexibility and convenience, we have partnered with two leading eBL solution providers, approved by the IG P&I Club, that facilitate and streamline the exchange of original documentation between business partners and platforms along the supply chain.
The following banks are associated with WaveBL:
- HSBC (India, New Zealand, China)
- First International Bank of Israel
- UMTB (Israel, UK)
- BNP Paribas (Global)
- Federal Bank (India)
- Lloyds Bank (UK)
- ICICI (India)
- US Bancorp (US)
WaveBL operates on a dynamic pricing structure within its tiered subscription plan. As your monthly eBL usage increases, the costs proportionally decrease, offering scalable savings tailored to your expanding needs. All payments are conveniently processed at each month’s end. For further details, please contact [email protected].
The following banks can be used through IQAX:
- Bank of China Limited
- Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited
- Bank of Communications Co. Ltd.
- Bank of Ningbo
- China CITIC Bank
- China Merchants Bank Co., Ltd.
- Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd.
- Shanghai Rurai Commercial Bank Co. Ltd.
- The Export-Import Bank of China
We invite you to join the new era of paperless eBLs – and welcome you to transform your business via IQAX and WaveBL. Reach out to your local Hapag-Lloyd representative today to learn more!
eBL is a digital version of the traditional paper-based bill of lading. It serves as evidence of the contract of carriage, receipt of goods, and document of title to the goods.
You and your consignee* simply register on one of our partners’ platforms of your choice: IQAX or WaveBL. When submitting shipping instructions, please mention eBL and the platform name.Once the vessel has departed, you will receive your eBL on the mentioned platform. You can ask for any amendment by selecting “Surrender for amendment.” You can send the possession to your consignee with the click of a button. You or your consignee can surrender directly to us.
* For WaveBL, the consignee is not required to be registered!
Currently, there are many platforms on the market that offer eBLs. Hapag-Lloyd has teamed up with two trusted platforms – IQAX or WaveBL. Both of these certified partners offer eBL solutions tailored to your needs.
eBLs streamline document transfers, reducing delays, paperwork, and administrative costs while minimizing errors. They enhance security with blockchain technology, provide real-time tracking for better coordination, and simplify international trade with standardized, compliant workflows. Additionally, eBLs support sustainability by reducing paper use, offering a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly solution for global shipping.
Both IQAX and WaveBL prioritize security through advanced measures such as decentralized blockchain technology for tamper-proof trade records, cryptographic techniques to prevent fraud, and privacy layers to ensure confidentiality. They feature secure identity management to prevent unauthorized access, antivirus scanning for documents, and built-in rate limits within a highly reliable infrastructure, providing robust protection for users and their data.
In the highly unlikely case of either platform being unavailable, you can raise a ticket with the respective platform provider and/or contact the Hapag-Lloyd service desk who will raise a ticket for you.
You will no longer see the envelope in the interface, thus signifying that the eBL issuance was successful.
Yes, you can actively monitor your eBL status and access real-time updates throughout the shipping process.
© Hapag-Lloyd AG