Denmark eyes blockchain path to digitizing ship registration

MAY 22, 2017 — The Danish Maritime Authority is launching a pilot project looking at blockchain technology as a possible path to digitalization of the entire ship registration process.

When they want to register ships today, shipowners are still required to fill in and handle documents manually.

“The Maritime Strategy Team has recommended full digitalization of, among other thing, the Register of Shipping,” says Denmark’s Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Brian Mikkelsen. “By means of an entirely new technology such as blockchain, this pilot project may pave the way for a more open, secure and efficient registration of ships on the Danish registers. This is important in an industry with a distinct focus on keeping costs low and where trust in all the parties involved is a necessity.”

He says that to retain its maritime position of strength, Denmark must seize and develop the potentials of digitalization.

“Therefore,” he says, “we must be frontrunners when it comes to using new technological solutions. Both in the Danish Maritime Authority and in entire Blue Denmark.”

The users will be involved in the pilot project, which is to clarify whether blockchain technology could support the Danish Maritime Authority’s digitalization efforts positively and help bring about an open, secure and more efficient approach to the date recorded in the registers of shipping.

The philosophy behind the blockchain technology is security through openness.

Everyone who is a part of the “chain” will have a full overview of the processes at any time and nobody can amend or forge documents without everyone in the “chain” being made aware of it. Therefore, documents such as mortgage deeds can be handled in a safe and secure manner no matter whether you are in, for example, Copenhagen or Singapore.

More on blockchain technology HERE