Blockchain tech tapped for lithium battery certificates in new use case [Video]

As blockchain technology continues to find its footing among enterprises and governments, the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) says it will use the emerging tech for battery safety certifications.

In a report by the Smart Maritime Network, the ambitious plan will involve a partnership with the Global Shipping Business Network (GSBN). Rather than build its own blockchain from scratch, MSC will lean on GSBN’s existing ledger, which has a considerable wealth of experience in shipping. GSBN contacts extend to top laboratories and certification providers in mainland China for batteries.

The collaborative effort will be limited to lithium battery shipments, with the MSC seeking to digitize its booking processes using blockchain. The shipping giant is eyeing a replacement of paper-based processes with safety certificates on distributed ledgers, which it says will enhance efficiency and transparency.

Lithium batteries, lasting up to 10 cycles longer than regular alkaline batteries, pose significant danger while in transit, requiring strict …