About us
The de facto standards body for the industry
DCSA, with a dedicated team of about 50 employees, crafts standards for key aspects of container shipping. We collaborate with the industry to establish norms for the Shipping Journey, equipment handling, and vessel operations. Our focus extends beyond development—we work on practical adoption solutions, such as standardised APIs and data models, while emphasizing the real benefits for businesses.
We believe in open communication. Attending events and organising information sessions, we aim to share insights and explain our standards within the supply chain environment. It's not just about setting standards; it's about practical solutions and fostering collaboration across the container shipping landscape.
In April 2019, MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, Yang Ming, HMM and ZIM founded DCSA to establish IT standards that would enable interoperability of technology solutions across the industry.
In April 2024, Pacific International Lines (PIL) joined DCSA as a partner to advance container shipping digitalisation standards.
Uniting behind the mission to standardise the digitalisation of international trade, DCSA BIMCO, FIATA ICC and SWIFT have formed the FIT Alliance. The FIT Alliance will work to generate awareness about the importance of common and interoperable data standards and common legislative conditions across international jurisdictions and platforms. The aim is to facilitate acceptance and adoption of an eBL by regulators, banks and insurers and to unify communication between these organisations and customers, physical and contractual carriers, and all other stakeholders involved in an international trade transaction.
DCSA is a non-profit, independent organisation established in 2019 by 9 of the 10 largest container shipping companies.
In April of 2019, MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, Yang Ming, HMM and ZIM founded DCSA to establish IT standards that would enable interoperability of technology solutions across the industry. The purpose is to facilitate digital interconnectivity and seamless data communication that anyone who touches the industry can leverage. DCSA standards are developed in close conjunction with the member carriers who validate, align and agree to them and work with DCSA to ensure widespread adoption.
To shape the digital future of container shipping by being the industry’s collective voice, working towards alignment and standardisation.
By setting frameworks for effective, universally adoptable solutions and innovating, we can enable transparent, reliable, easy to use, secure and environmentally friendly container transportation services.
DCSA collaborates with all key players of the industry, fostering an inclusive approach to industry enhancement. Engaging with ocean carriers, solution providers, cargo owners and other key players, our collaborative ethos ensures that standards are developed collectively, reflecting the practical needs of the entire ecosystem.
In the face of the promising growth in international container trade by 20250, the maritime industry confronts the significant challenge of supporting the expansion sustainably.
DCSA’s professionals play a unique role in delivering results. We reach across disciplines and borders to represent, lead and serve the container shipping industry. Our people share a passion for igniting change and a strong service orientation that shapes our organisation and those it supports.
