Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) became the first carrier to fully adopted BIC Facility Codes (BFC) for all depots globally.
All MSC’s depots are now identifiable with a 9-character BFC, moving one step further on the digitalisation journey. The transition process was completed across 2021.
The BIC Facility Codes were created via a major harmonisation project that took place in November 2020 by the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) with the assistance of the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA).
Andre Simha, Global Chief Digital and Information Officer for MSC, commented on the occassion:
Adopting the BIC Facility Codes is a great example of a variety of digital workstreams at MSC coming together to make strides for the digital future of shipping
The BIC manages the database and offers an open API to allow trading partners to ensure their IT systems are kept up to date.
Moreover, DCSA CEO Thomas Bagge, added that the digital transformation of the container shipping industry is underway.
Adopting baseline standards such as location code standards is a mandatory step in establishing an interoperable digital foundation which will simplify current complexities. Ultimately, customers, stakeholders and the entire industry will benefit
