Ship Management

“At Anglo American, we are committed to supporting initiatives that help to drive innovation and efficiency in our products’ supply chains,” says Timo Smit, executive head of marketing at Anglo American. “Digitisation is a key enabler for such a drive and the use of electronic bills of lading is a natural part of this journey. We are proud to be a signatory to the 25 by 25 pledge.”

“As a shipowner and operator, we are fully supportive of the 25 by 25 pledge and accelerating the shift towards electronic bills of lading,” says Julius Posselt, head of operations-claims department at Oldendorff Carriers. “We will be encouraging our counterparts to adopt eBLs and join the pledge as it will ultimately benefit everyone in the supply chain.”

Christos Anagnostou, Star Bulk’s operations and insurance director, says: “Star Bulk is very supportive of this BIMCO initiative to promote eBLs, which is also in line with our company’s focus on digital transformation.”

Owners and operators also have an important role to play in the switch to electronic bills of lading, as they are key stakeholders in this process, and BIMCO invites their support for the initiative.

Erick Tavares, sales administration manager at leading global iron ore supplier Vale, says: “Vale takes great pride in being among the first to sign the 25 by 25 pledge. Innovation and digitalisation are levers for us to reach our ambitions, and over the past decade, we have worked tirelessly to digitise our operations both internally and externally, always with a focus on enhancing the customer experience.

“By signing the pledge, we are reaffirming our dedication to advancing our digitalisation process and inviting our customers and partners to join us on this exciting journey that benefits the entire supply chain.”

Jinsong Gu, chairman of COSCO Shipping Bulk Co and member of BIMCO’s board of directors, says: “We believe that BIMCO’s campaign to achieve 25% eBLs in the bulk sector by 2025 is an important step in accelerating shipping’s digital transformation. Electronic bills of lading increase efficiency, reduce costs and will reduce reliance on letters of indemnity – which is a benefit to all stakeholders.”

Large bulkers in demand

According to a weekly report by broker Allied Shipbroking, there has been a recent demand for larger size bulkers with a number of orders placed for ultramax tonnage in the first few months of this year.

According to the report, some 70% of deliveries for dry bulk vessels this year and next year will be for ultramaxes, and about 20% for handymax size ships.