In 2018, global shipping emissions represented 1,076 million tonnes of CO2, and were responsible for around 2.9% of global emissions caused by human activities. Projections show that global shipping emissions could increase by up to 130% of 2008 emissions by 2050.  Container shipping’s continued reliance on manual and paper-based processes contributes to this problem by hampering effective collaboration between shipping stakeholders. For example, port call operations require much manual coordination, which can cause hours of vessel idle time, wasting 4 tons of fuel per hour. Paper bills of lading, which make up the vast majority of B/Ls, waste tonnes of paper and fuel each year being transported around the world in gas-powered vehicles. (source: European Commission, 2023)

DCSA’s mission to digitally transform the container shipping industry will bring about a new era of sustainability. Through its digital standards initiatives, DCSA is working to ensure end-to-end interoperability of shipping data, processes and technology. By adopting DCSA standards, stakeholders will be able to automatically exchange accurate, timely digital data and documentation for some of the most ecologically impactful activities in container shipping. This will eliminate manual and paper-based processes, making shipping activities more visible, predictable, and far more efficient. As a result, enormous amounts of waste and emissions will be eliminated from international trade.