Maersk and Altana: Streamlining International Port Logistics

Maersk and Altana have announced a partnership to develop a digital trade network within global logistics infrastructure. The collaboration aims to introduce compliance-accurate supply chain operations in an environment of changing trade regulations.

The partnership will transform Maersk's Gemini Cooperation into a digital trade network. This will introduce product-level identity markers, known as Product Passports, across 12 international ports that account for 70% of global trade.

The initiative represents a significant shift in how international trade compliance is managed, moving from traditional border-based inspections to a more sophisticated, technology-driven approach that prioritises verification throughout the entire supply chain journey.

Network development and structure

Altana operates an AI-powered network connecting businesses and governments for trade operations. Governments use the platform to enforce tariffs and manage cross-border trade relationships between buyers and suppliers.

Maersk is an integrated logistics company providing supply chain solutions. The company oversees port operations, warehousing and air freight operations across multiple continents.

The partnership will bring AI-powered trade compliance and enforcement to the Gemini Cooperation. Gemini Cooperation is a collaboration between Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd launched in February 2025.

According to Maersk, Gemini Cooperation achieved schedule performance exceeding 90% across 29 mainliner and 29 shuttle services on East-West trade routes. This reliability record provides a foundation for implementing the new digital trade infrastructure.

Product Passports for customs

Product Passports will be pre-cleared markers understood by customs authorities at 12 ports. Lars Karlsson, Global Head of Trade and Customs Consulting at Maersk, says the system could create new standards for international trade.

"A global Product Passport for Goods is the innovation needed to elevate international trade towards an ecosystem of trust, connecting and transforming major trade routes into digital trade corridors," Lars said.

"This is a game-changer for international trade in a time of uncertainty. Together, Maersk and Altana will promote this instrument as a new paradigm for trusted trade."

Altana has worked with global customs agencies to implement trade enforcement. The company created a public-private model for end-to-end product traceability to ensure goods can be verified and trade remains compliant.

Altana's passport manager will power the partnership operations. The system connects logistics providers and importers directly to customs authorities, streamlining communication and reducing processing delays at border checkpoints.

The passport manager allows governments to receive and act on Product Passports. This transforms customs entries into record-keeping events.

Evan Smith, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Altana, says regulations now demand product-level verification across value chains.

"The global trade system was built to manage shipments at a border, but today's regulations are network-shaped and demand product-level verification across entire value chains," Evan said.

"With Maersk, we're building an agentic digital layer on top of the world's most reliable physical logistics network to meet that moment. Product Passports are Global Entry for Goods: pre-validated compliance that lets trusted trade flow while giving every nation the enforcement tools they need, on their own terms."

Customs authorities using the passport manager will operate with three operational features. An AI-powered clearance platform uses recommendations for risk and compliance decisions following communication with importers.

Data security and local compliance

A federated data model serves as the framework for the passport manager. This allows Maersk to share Product Passports with local customs authorities without data breach risks or customs data being transmitted elsewhere.

At customs entry, authorities can add a Product Passport ID field at item level. Each shipment's compliance level is shown relative to local trade regulations.

Altana AI suggests risk and compliance determinations for authorities to make decisions. The system adapts to local regulations at each port of entry.

Customers in the Gemini Cooperation trade lanes will gain access to these features. The collaboration aims to create a public-private network of trusted trade through adaptability and transparency measures.