Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA), a neutral, non-profit group established to further digitalization of container shipping technology standards, in conjunction with its nine member carriers, published standard data definitions for the port call process.
This is the first publication of the DCSA Just-in-Time (JIT) Port Call program. By moving container shipping towards a JIT port call process, DCSA port call standards will enable container ships to optimize their steaming speed, thereby lowering fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions.
To provide a global industry framework that preserves existing investments, DCSA port call data definitions are aligned with IMO and ITPCO Just In Time (JIT) Arrival Guide standards.
The 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 optimization. Widespread adoption is the first step towards achieving a digital, global, transparent, just-in-time port call ecosystem.
Subsequent releases of DCSA’s JIT Port Call program will include API definitions for automating the exchange of event data.