Shippers & Freight Forwarders

Become a champion for change.

International container trade has a prosperous future. According to a UK government outlook, global trade will double in real terms and quadruple in dollar terms by 2050.

Supporting this growth sustainably will be a tall order for complex, fragmented supply chains that rely on paper-based processes and non-interoperable technology platforms.

Standards-based digitisation is the key to a seamless, fully interoperable trade ecosystem in which information can be instantly shared and acted upon, regardless of platform. In this way, digital standards for maritime trade help ensure the efficiency, reliability, resilience and sustainability of global supply chains.

The collaborative path to digitalisation

With unwavering commitment from 9 of the top 10 ocean carriers as members, DCSA is developing open-source standards that allow real-time collaboration between container shipping stakeholders. By ensuring continuous access to timely shipping information, DCSA standards enable stakeholders to make proactive, data-driven decisions that improve business agility.

A standardised framework for digitalisation is necessary for achieving another critical goal for the maritime industry – carbon neutrality by 2050. The shipping industry accounts for around 3% of global CO2 emissions, and while many aspects of maritime transportation are involved in lowering emissions, standardised digitalisation will help lower emissions that result from inefficient and paper-based processes.

Achieving the vision of sustainable, seamless, resilient supply chains requires all of us, working together to develop and align around a common set of standards for digital trade processes, data and documentation.