Innovation Challenges

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Call for Proposal to Develop, Enhance and Pilot Electronic Bill of Lading Solutions for Cross-Border Trade
Challenge Owner(s)
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Digital Shipping Container Association (DCSA)
Organiser(s) Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)
Industry Type(s)
Digital/ICT, Logistics, Sea Transport, Wholesale Trade
Opportunities and Support Selected projects may be eligible for up to 70% of project grant for qualifying items.
Application Start Date 21 April 2021
Application End Date 31 July 2021
Website Click here to learn more

About Challenge

MPA, supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority and Digital Container Shipping Association would like to invite industry to submit proposals for development, enhancement, and pilot electronic bills of lading (eBL) solutions for cross-border trade.

Learn More

Challenge Owner(s)
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Digital Shipping Container Association (DCSA), Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Industry Types(s)
Digital/ICT, Logistics, Sea Transport, Wholesale Trade

Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), supported by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Digital Shipping Container Association (DCSA)

eBLs were first introduced in the 1990s. However, only 0.1% of bills of lading are issued electronically today, in limited or closed systems, with each guided by their own rules and standards. In addition, supply chain parties may have different BL formats or varying IT system requirements, making it challenging for eBLs to be used freely for cross-border trade. The lack of statutory law recognition is one other factor that impedes adoption.

What We Are Looking For

With the amendment of Singapore’s Electronic Transactions Act, MPA would like to:

  1. Encourage Industry Adoption through Consortiums: BL is a key legal document in maritime trade providing proof of ownership of goods in transit. As such, it requires commitment and collaboration between supply chain partners to digitalise the end-to-end BL handling process. Through this Call, MPA would like to bring about collaborations to trial, adopt and realise commercial value (tangible and intangible). 
  2. Develop eBL Solutions: With legal and technology developments in the space of digital trade, MPA would like to catalyse development, enhancement and pilot of eBL solutions that are able to conduct (a) title transfer interoperability across different digital ecosystems, (b) comply to UNCITRAL MLETR and leverage on legislation framework(s) of jurisdiction(s) that have adopted MLETR, (c) adopt industry standards where applicable.