User Guide: Locations and Vessels Bulk Import Template

Overview

The Wholechain Bulk Import Template is a tool to manage and upload master data into your Wholechain account. The templates will be used to initially configure your account as well as to add additional data to your account as needed. They can be uploaded as many times as needed.


File Instructions

Add all of your company’s locations and vessels, along with the locations and vessels of your Trade Partners, where traceability events take place. This includes any vessels, warehouses, processing facilities, or third‑party logistics sites where product is received, held or handled.


Also include every physical location belonging to companies that ship product to you, such as your suppliers, as well as every physical location belonging to companies you ship product to, such as your buyers. When a company operates multiple locations, each physical site must be entered separately, and all of those entries must be linked to the same Trade Partner Number so they are correctly associated with the parent company. 

NOTE: Before uploading any locations or vessels through the Location Bulk Import Template, ensure that all related Trade Partners have already been added to your account. The system requires each location or vessel to be connected to an existing Trade Partner, so the correct workflow is to first upload all relevant companies using the Trade Partner Bulk Import Template. After the Trade Partners have been created, you can then upload all vessel and location information using the Location Bulk Import Template.

Trade Partner Number/ID - a unique identifier for your company / trade partner. When adding vessels/locations, ensure that the ID listed is exactly the same one used to register the company/Trade Partner in the account, if one has been used. 


Company Name* - the name of the company / trade partner. When adding vessels/locations, ensure that the company name listed is exactly the same one used to register the company/Trade Partner in the account


PGLN – the GS1 Global Location Number for the company. PGLN is not required. 


Location Number/ID - a unique identifier for each of your company’s or trade partners’ locations. The location ID must be unique and easily recalled. Typically, the ID matches the same schema used in your ERP.  Location Number/ID is not required, however, if you do not have a unique location number/ID, you are required to have unique location names. 


Location Name* - the name of the location for easy reference in your Wholechain account network. Duplicate Location Names are not allowed unless a unique Location Number/ID is provided. 


Address* - the physical address associated with the location. If adding a vessel, include the physical address of the port of call associated with the vessel. If entering an address, Address 1, City, and Country are required fields. Address OR geolocation is required for each location/vessel. 


Geocoordinates* - only required if you do not provide an address (at minimum, Address 1, City, and Country). For vessels, geocoordinates typically refer to the physical location of port of call.  Address OR geolocation is required for each location. 


GLN - GS1 Global Location Number. GLN is not required. If your company has a unique GLN for each physical location, you can use the GLN as the Location Number/ID.


Location DUNS - A DUNS number (Dun & Bradstreet number) is a unique nine-digit number that is used to identify your organization. DUNS is not required. Note, this field refers to the 13 digit Location DUNS (that includes the 4 digit location prefix). 


Polygon - a geospatial technique to define the exact boundaries of production areas for certain commodities. GEOJSON is the required format. 


Captain's Name - Name of the vessel’s captain for reference. 


Vessel Name* -  the name of the vessel for easy reference in your Wholechain account network. Duplicate vessel Names are not allowed unless a unique Location Number/ID is provided. 


Vessel Flag State - Nation with supervision over safety, fishing operations, and catch reporting

ISO 2-letter country code list - ISO 3166 


IMO Number - The International Maritime Organization (IMO) number is a unique seven‑digit identifier assigned to ships for their entire lifetime. It ensures global traceability and compliance with maritime regulations. Mandatory for vessels that have an IMO number. If not applicable, enter “N/A.”


Vessel Registration - The official registration number or identifier assigned to the vessel by the national authority. Confirms the vessel’s legal status and registration under its flag state. 


Satellite Vessel Tracking Authority - Indicator of Satellite Vessel Tracking. Authority responsible for the satellite tracking or verification. If satellite tracking not available, "N/A".


Vessel Public Registry Hyperlink - Website address with the public registry that contains the listing of the fishing vessel.


Unloading Port - The port where the vessel unloads its catch or cargo. 


*Required field