To facilitate implementation of its just-in-time (JIT) port call standards, DCSA today released interface standards and messaging API (application programming interface) specifications for the first 18 event timestamps defined in its JIT port call data definitions.
The interface standards enable automated data exchange between carriers, ports and terminals for the five main phases involved in any port call:Berth arrival planningPilot boarding place (PBP) arrival planningPBP and berth arrival execution and start cargo operationsCargo completion and port departure planningBerth departure executionThe standards are currently being tested by carriers and terminal operators at two ports. The tests will provide critical feedback for further enhancement of the standards as needed. This is the second publication of the DCSA JIT Port Call Programme, which will ultimately include more than 50 event timestamps, providing a complete framework for all activities involved in the five main port call phases.DCSA will release an information model, interface standards and API definitions for the remaining event timestamps in the coming quarters. All API definitions are available to download for free from SwaggerHub and reference implementations are posted to GitHub.DCSA Port Call Data Definitions can be freely downloaded from the DCSA web site. The definitions will allow carriers, ports and terminals to exchange event data in a uniform way, enabling digital planning and operational optimisation. Widespread adoption is the first step towards achieving a digital, global, transparent, just-in-time port call ecosystem that will ultimately lower fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
About DCSA
Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) is a neutral, non-profit group founded by major ocean carriers to digitise and standardise the container shipping industry. With the mission of leading the industry towards systematic collaboration, DCSA drives initiatives to make container transportation services transparent, reliable, easy to use, secure and environmentally friendly. DCSA’s open source standards are developed based on input from DCSA member carriers, industry stakeholders and technology experts from other industries. DCSA member carriers include: MSC, Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, ONE, Evergreen, Yang Ming, HMM and ZIM. Please download DCSA standards at dcsa.org.
Digitalise the container shipping industry
At DCSA, we envisage a digitally interconnected container shipping industry in which customers have a choice of seamless, easy-to-use services that provide the flexibility to meet their business and sustainability goals.