GSBN

What GSBN does

GSBN (Global Shipping Business Network Limited) is a neutral, not-for-profit technology consortium incorporated in Hong Kong in March 2021 by eight global shipping lines and terminal operators — COSCO SHIPPING Lines, Hapag-Lloyd, Hutchison Ports, OOCL, PSA International, Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG), CMA CGM, and Qatar Ports — whose combined operations represent over 50% of containers handled worldwide. The company operates a blockchain-enabled data utility platform that connects shipping lines, terminals, banks, customs authorities, and application developers, allowing them to exchange trusted shipping and trade data without relying on centralized intermediaries.

The platform is built on Hyperledger Fabric and deployed across Oracle Blockchain Platform on Oracle Cloud, Microsoft Azure Southeast Asia, AntChain, and Alibaba Cloud, with a proprietary Control Tracking Registry that ensures each electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) is unique across transfers. Product portfolio spans five core modules: eBL & Paperless Trade (IGP&I-approved across container, bulk, and tanker shipping), Cargo Release (reducing release times from days to hours), Trade Finance (data sharing with banks to bridge the global trade finance gap), Safe Transportation (verification of hazardous cargo certifications including lithium batteries), and Decarbonization (green certificate attestation). Sub-products include the Document Viewer App for customs clearance and the Hi-ECO Green Shipping Certificate. The network spans 26 ports and 20,000+ organizations, with 700,000+ eBLs issued and 1.5M+ shipments released.

As a not-for-profit consortium, GSBN generates revenue through membership fees and platform/transactional services from its member base. The founding members collectively represent more than half of global container throughput, with additional members including PSA, Hutchison Ports, SIPG, COSCO Ports, COSCO Energy, COSCO Bulk, ONE, CMA CGM, ICTSI, Westports, Portbase, China Citic Bank, IQAX, and others; partner banks (HSBC, BOC, DBS, CZBank) participate in a Trade Finance Advisory Group. Bertrand Chen serves as CEO. GTM is enterprise-led through direct sales into the carrier and terminal ecosystem, complemented by integration partners (IQAX, ODeX, ICE Digital Trade) that distribute eBL access to mid-market and regional shippers.

Name

GSBN

Legal name

Global Shipping Business Network Limited

Website

https://gsbn.trade

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

GSBN is a Hong Kong-based, not-for-profit consortium that operates a blockchain-enabled trade data utility platform connecting global shipping lines, terminal operators, banks, and customs authorities for paperless electronic bills of lading, cargo release, trade finance, and green certificate verification.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Blockchain Trade Infrastructure

NAICS

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (51821)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)

akta.pro primary industry

Trade Finance & Supply Chain Tokenization (invoices, bills of lading, provenance) (FSAPAIAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Interoperability & Cross-Chain Infrastructure (Bridges, Messaging, Atomic Swaps) (FSAGAMAI), Permissioned Blockchain Platforms & Frameworks (Hyperledger, Corda, Quorum) (FSAPAIAA), Tokenization, Digital MRV-Linked Credits & On-Chain Carbon Infrastructure (Digital assets, provenance) (EUABAAAE), Supply Chain & Inventory/Warehouse Receipt Tokenization (FSADAEAH)

Keywords

• Blockchain trade platform
• Electronic bill of lading
• Supply chain digitization
• Cargo release solutions
• Shipping data infrastructure

Headquarters

HQ city

Hong Kong

HQ country

Hong Kong SAR China

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Consortium Membership: GSBN operates as a neutral, not-for-profit consortium. Revenue appears to be generated through membership fees from shipping lines, terminals, banks, and other participants in the ecosystem.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GSBN operates a blockchain-enabled data infrastructure platform that enables paperless global trade by connecting shipping lines, terminal operators, banks, customs authorities, and cargo owners. Its core offerings include electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) issuance and transfer, paperless Cargo Release, trade finance data sharing, safe transportation certification, and decarbonization/green certificate verification. The platform is built on Hyperledger Fabric and deployed across Oracle Cloud, Microsoft Azure, AntChain, and Alibaba Cloud, ensuring trusted, immutable data exchange across the global shipping ecosystem.

Product overview

GSBN is a neutral, not-for-profit consortium providing a blockchain-enabled data infrastructure platform that enables paperless, accessible, and sustainable global trade. The platform operates as a data exchange layer connecting shipping lines, terminals, banks, freight forwarders, customs authorities, and application developers across the global shipping ecosystem. The platform architecture centers on a core blockchain infrastructure that ensures singularity, immutability, and trusted data sharing among participants. The product portfolio includes eBL & Paperless Trade (electronic Bill of Lading issuance and processing across container, bulk, and tanker shipping), Cargo Release (paperless cargo release reducing process from days to hours), Trade Finance (bridging trade finance gap through trusted data sharing with banks), Safe Transportation (certification verification for hazardous cargo like lithium batteries and chemicals), and Decarbonization (green certificate verification and emissions data sharing). The network accounts for over half of containers handled globally, covering 26 ports, with over 20,000 organizations and over 700,000 eBLs issued.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• eBL & Paperless Trade IGP&I approved electronic Bill of Lading (eBL) application compatible across container, bulk, and tanker shipping, enabling issuance, transfer, and surrender of electronic title documents to accelerate the shift to paperless trade. Supports cross-platform interoperability between different eBL solutions.
• Cargo Release Paperless, blockchain-enabled solution that reduces the cargo release process from days to hours by connecting shipping lines, consignees, agents, and terminal operators through verified data sharing.
• Trade Finance Infrastructure and advisory offering that enables banks to access trusted shipping data for trade finance underwriting, eBL-based lending, and bridging the global trade finance gap via the GSBN blockchain.
• Safe Transportation Blockchain-based certification verification process that transforms safe transportation for hazardous cargo such as lithium batteries and chemicals, integrating laboratories and certification providers through trusted, immutable data sharing.
• Decarbonization Blockchain-based product for comprehensive data sharing related to emissions verification, green certificates, and decarbonization initiatives, including the Hi-ECO Green Shipping Certificate that links Proof of Sustainability certificates to actual biofuel purchases.
• Document Viewer App Application enabling customs officers to scan QR codes embedded in eBL PDFs to directly verify the authenticity of carrier-issued electronic bills of lading, simplifying customs clearance processes.
• GSBN Data Verification Service

Quantifiable outcome

• Reduces cargo release time from days to hours
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered core and strategic.

• ODeXcoreTechnology or Integration · 6 May 2026API integration allowing users to process IQAX eBL directly within the ODeX platform, simplifying eBL adoption across India's supply chains. The partnership supports the first live Hapag-Lloyd shipment from Mundra, India to Chicago, USA. ODeX serves over 30,000 customers and 65,000+ users in India.
• IQAXcoreTechnology or Integration · 6 May 2026GSBN provides blockchain infrastructure for IQAX eBL platform. IQAX is the digital trade intelligence company powering eBL solutions across global supply chains. Over 700,000 eBLs have been issued on GSBN via IQAX.
• Abu Dhabi CustomscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2026Abu Dhabi Customs partnering with GSBN to leverage trusted eBL data for digital customs clearance. Exploring use of validated eBL data to improve workflow efficiency and support financial services innovation.
• China (Chongqing) International Trade Single WindowcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 January 2026Government-led digital platform for international trade partnering with GSBN to use validated eBL data for streamlined information exchange and innovative financial services along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor.
• ICE Digital TradecoreTechnology or Integration · 12 January 2026Partnership connecting IQAX eBL and ICE CargoDocs platforms, enabling cross-platform eBL transactions involving banks. Successfully demonstrated live transaction between Thailand and China with New Golden Sea Shipping, Lenzing Thailand, HSBC Thailand, China Zheshang Bank, and Jiangsu Dasheng Group.
• ChainlinkstrategicTechnology or Integration · 4 November 2025Collaboration for first blockchain-based international trade finance experiment connecting Brazil's Drex CBDC network and Hong Kong's Ensemble network. GSBN provided blockchain-based title registry connection for cross-chain payment infrastructure.
• MSC Mediterranean Shipping CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 April 2024Collaboration to trial Integrated Safe Transportation Certification Verification Process for lithium battery shipments. MSC integrates booking process with GSBN access to China's testing laboratories and certification providers.
• PortbasecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2024First Port Community System (PCS) in Europe to integrate with GSBN. Enables secure data flow between Dutch ports and GSBN's global shipping network for optimized container release and decarbonization.
• ICTSIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2024World's largest independent terminal operator joined GSBN. Deployed Cargo Release at Contecon Manzanillo in Mexico. Global platform approach enables rapid deployment across 32 terminals in 19 countries.
• Westports Holdings BerhadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 February 2024Leading port operator in Malaysia and transhipment hub along Straits of Malacca. Integration as part of green and smart port strategy.
• ZAN (Ant Group)strategicTechnology or Integration · 6 November 2023MoU to explore tokenization of electronic Bill of Lading with Web3 technologies. Aims to unlock securitization of $25 trillion in global trade flows and bridge the trade finance gap.
• DNVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 October 2023Partnership to enable verified data sharing for shipping industry decarbonization. Connecting DNV's Emissions Connect verification engine with GSBN's shipping data to issue reliable green claims backed by real granular data.
• Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 June 2023Knowledge Partnership Agreement to enable secure data exchange for decarbonization initiatives. Collaboration aims to bridge transparency gap between digitalization and decarbonization across the supply chain.
• Bank of China (Hong Kong)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2021Trade Finance Advisory Group member. First financial institution to partner with GSBN, focused on accelerating digital transformation of shipping industry.
• DBS BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2021Trade Finance Advisory Group member. Focused on enabling wider access to trade financing through digital ecosystem connecting shipping and logistics players.
• HSBCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2021Trade Finance Advisory Group member. World's leading trade bank at forefront of trade digitalization, working to minimize paper use and convert clients to digital ways of working.
• OraclecoreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2021Oracle Blockchain Platform in Oracle Cloud provides the underlying blockchain network for GSBN's global trade operating system.
• Microsoft AzurecoreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2021Microsoft Azure Southeast Asia Region in Singapore used for GSBN's platform layer, providing high scalability, functionality, and security with Availability Zones for reliability.
• AntChain (Ant Group)coreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2021AntChain provides enterprise-grade blockchain platform for GSBN deployment in China, recognized as top-ranked BaaS provider in China.
• Alibaba CloudcoreTechnology or Integration · 9 September 2021Provides cloud infrastructure support for GSBN deployment in China, recognized as first in Asia Pacific for IaaS.
• CULines (China United Lines)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2021First non-founding member to join GSBN. Fast-growing shipping line ranked 28th globally by Alphaliner. Covers 41 major ports across 18 countries.
• ContourstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 August 2021Digital trade finance network partnership to offer end-to-end digital solution connecting physical supply chain with financial system. Enables seamless connection between GSBN's logistics data and Contour's Letter of Credit digitization.
• COSCO SHIPPING LinescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member of GSBN consortium. Operates 503 container vessels with 3.08 million TEU capacity, 4th largest fleet globally. Key participant in eBL issuance and Hi ECO green certificate initiatives.
• Hapag-LloydcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member. Fleet of 305 container ships with 2.5 million TEU capacity. Adopted IQAX eBL via GSBN to reach 100% eBL commitment by 2030.
• Hutchison PortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member and terminal operator deploying GSBN Cargo Release across Southeast Asia operations including Hong Kong, Singapore, and Laem Chabang.
• OOCLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member and subsidiary of Orient Overseas. Key participant in cross-platform eBL transactions and safe transportation certification trials.
• PSA InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member. Supported GSBN expansion into Southeast Asia with Cargo Release deployment at Singapore terminal.
• Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member operating major Chinese ports. Signed MOU with 8 major China shipping port groups to accelerate digital transformation.
• Ocean Network Express (ONE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined GSBN in 2023. Adopting DCSA standards through GSBN to elevate customer experience. Second product adopted through GSBN platform.
• CMA CGMcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member. One of the world's leading container shipping companies with extensive global network.
• Qatar Ports (QP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member representing Qatar's port operations in the consortium.
• COSCO SHIPPING PortscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding member and COSCO Group subsidiary operating global port terminals.
• COSCO SHIPPING EnergystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined GSBN in 2023. World's largest tanker fleet by capacity (155 tankers, 22.74 million DWT). Issued first eBL for energy transportation.
• COSCO SHIPPING BulkstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoined GSBN in 2023. Largest professional bulk shipping corporation globally (400+ carriers, 40 million DWT). Issued first eBL for bulk shipment.
• Banco InterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrazilian bank that pioneered first cross-chain trade settlement between Brazil's BCB and Hong Kong's HKMA using GSBN infrastructure.
• Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGSBN joined HKMA's Project Ensemble to accelerate eBL tokenization and bridge trade finance gap through CBDC integration.
• SABICstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerFive-way MoU signed at ICC Future Trade Forum to enable paperless trade through adoption of electronic Bill of Lading.
• project44strategicTechnology or IntegrationSupply chain visibility provider partnering to combine bill of lading and supply chain visibility data with GSBN.
• DecentriqstrategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to power blockchain and data clean rooms for secure, privacy-safe data sharing in global trade industry.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• TradeGo: TradeGo is a Hong Kong-based blockchain trade documentation platform offering electronic Bills of Lading and trade finance solutions. It is the most directly comparable eBL consortium to GSBN, competing for the same carrier/terminal/bank ecosystem in Asia.
• Bolero International: Bolero provides electronic Bill of Lading and trade finance messaging infrastructure used by banks, carriers, and corporates globally. Overlaps directly with GSBN's eBL and trade finance offerings and competes for the same digital documentation opportunity.
• essDOCS: essDOCS (now part of the CargoX-enabled DocsForce ecosystem) digitises export documentation, certificates of origin, and bills of lading. Directly competes with GSBN's paperless trade and cross-platform eBL interoperability thesis.
• CargoX: CargoX is a blockchain-based document transfer network for electronic Bills of Lading. Competes head-on with GSBN/IQAX eBL and has emerged as a leading independent alternative for cross-platform eBL transfers.
• WAVE BL: WAVE is a blockchain-based electronic Bill of Lading platform built by Komgo/Tradeteq-affiliated parties and shipping industry participants. It directly competes with GSBN's eBL offerings, particularly for cross-platform interoperability.
• Komgo: Komgo is a blockchain trade finance network founded by major commodity traders and banks (incl. ING, BNP Paribas, Citi) that digitises letters of credit and trade documents. Competes with GSBN on the trade finance side of the platform's value proposition.
• Marco Polo Network (TradeIX): Marco Polo is a trade finance and supply chain blockchain network connecting banks and corporates. Competes with GSBN for bank-side trade finance integrations and supply chain financing use cases.
• Contour: Contour is a digital Letter of Credit network built on R3 Corda and used by global trade banks. GSBN has an integration partnership with Contour but Contour broadly competes for the same trade-finance-digitisation opportunity targeting banks.

Broad incumbents

• Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA): DCSA is the industry-standards body for container shipping digitalisation, setting API and eBL standards many GSBN members adopt. While not a platform competitor, it shapes the interoperability layer GSBN operates within and overlaps on eBL standardisation.

Emerging players

• CircleOnChain (TradeOn): Emerging blockchain trade documentation platform focused on cross-border eBL issuance and verification. Overlaps with GSBN's eBL and cross-platform interoperability thesis but at smaller scale, making it a relevant emerging alternative.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/gsbn

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about GSBN