CargoX becomes the first public blockchain (Ethereum) Bill of Lading provider approved by the International Group of P&I Clubs

(Ljubljana, 20 February 2020) - CargoX, the provider of the CargoX blockchain document transfer (BDT) platform, has been granted prestigious approval by the International Group of P&I Clubs. It has become the first and only approved provider to use the neutral, public blockchain Ethereum network for its platform.

The International Group of P&I Clubs (the IG) is an unincorporated association of the 13 principal underwriting Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Associations (Clubs) and their Affiliated Associations and Reinsured Entity. Between them, they provide liability cover (protection and indemnity) for approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage. Of the world’s top 25 reinsurers, 22 were featured on the group’s program in 2019.

Ensuring ocean shipping resilience

“The mutual club system has proved itself resilient and responsive for over 120 years. Future-proofing the group is not a novel concept, but it will be a key focus within the group going forward, and whilst looking ahead, the only certainty is uncertainty, the group, and its member clubs will be there to deliver the necessary solutions for their shipowners and to protect third-party interests,” emphasized Mr. Paul Jennings, Chairperson of the IG P&I, in the group annual review.

“CargoX is fully committed to building trust among partners in the supply chain industry in a trustless business world. Providing a fast, secure, and efficient way to transfer documents of title, and herewith the ownership of the transferred goods is of fundamental importance to global trade. We are proud to have been awarded the trust of such respectable institutions, members of the IG P&I. We are looking forward to the future!” said Stefan Kukman, founder and CEO of CargoX.

Cautious steps of digitalization

The approval is a historic milestone for CargoX, and for the public blockchain community at large. Until February 2010, the rules of all the group’s clubs specifically excluded liabilities in respect of the shipping of cargo under all electronic (paperless) trading systems; on 20 February 2010 that all changed for the much better. Ten years later, in February 2020 the group approved CargoX, additionally to the electronic systems administered by ESS, Bolero, e-title™, GlobalShare, and Wave.

Of these electronic systems providers, only CargoX has built its Blockchain Document Transfer (BDT) Platform atop a neutral, public blockchain network, namely the Ethereum network, and uses the network’s advanced cryptographic features for original document creation, document ownership transfer, audit trail provisions, privacy, business confidentiality assurance, and document and transaction immutability.

Carriers, shippers, consignees, endorses, banks, freight forwarders, and other parties can issue, exchange and sign a variety of supply chain encrypted documents with no need for a central server or registry. The system is supported by a legal framework known as the Special Terms and Conditions (ST&C) that facilitates the transfer and endorsement of electronic bills of lading. While the system removes the need for a paper bill, there is scope to revert to paper where it is necessary to do so.

The solution incorporates and upgrades the usability concepts similar to email and banking transactions, effectively providing services that are superior to traditional paper document transfer.

The operation of IG clubs

The IG P&I formed in 1899 when the so-called London Group was formed, composed of 6 British P&I mutual marine insurance associations whose job it was to insure British ships navigating the world. Today, there are 13 member associations, providing liability cover for approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage. Of the world’s top 25 reinsurers, 22 were featured in the group’s 2019 program.

Each IG Club is an independent, non-profit making mutual insurance association, providing P&I insurance cover for its shipowner and charterer members against third party liabilities relating to the use and operation of ships. Each Club is controlled by its members through a board of directors, or a committee elected from among the membership.

IG P&I Clubs cover a wide range of liabilities, including loss of life and personal injury to crew, passengers, and others on board, cargo loss and damage, pollution by oil and other hazardous substances, wreck removal, collision, and damage to property. Clubs also provide a wide range of services to their members regarding claims handling, legal issues, and loss prevention, and often play a leading role in coordinating the response to, and management of, maritime casualties.

The IG P&I has already notified its members of its approval of CargoX.

All partaking clubs

A full list of principal clubs, affiliated associations, and reinsured subsidiary:

Additional info:

* About the IG P&I
* Full list of IG P&I member clubs
* IG P&I annual review 2019
* IG P&I LinkedIn page