In light of the COVID-19 landscape, shipping major associations and port communities launched a new initiative called “Accelerating Digitalisation of Maritime Trade and Logistics”.
Specifically, International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), co-signed by BIMCO, the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA), the International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA), the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the International Harbor Masters Association (IHMA) , the International Maritime Pilots Association (IMPA), the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), the International Ship Suppliers and Services Association (ISSA) and the PROTECT Group are all included in the initiative.
Accelerating Digitalisation of Maritime Trade and Logistics will focus on boosting the pace of digitalization, while face the new challenges that will be faced in a post-COVID-19 new normal.
Following the above, IAPH Managing Director, Patrick Verhoeven noted:
While some port communities seized the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution and developed into full-fledged ‘smart’ ports, many others have barely grasped the essentials of digitalisation and continue to struggle with larger reliance on personal interaction and paper-based transactions as the norms for shipboard, ship-port interface and port-hinterland based exchanges.
According to the collaborators, the call to action includes the following goals:
- Find ways of using existing International Maritime Organization’s Facilitation (FAL) Convention requirements to support electronic transmission, receipt, and response of information for all port community-related transactions, making the transition to full-fledged single window systems.
- Harmonize data standards beyond FAL to create additional e-business solutions, share data to optimize port calls as well to effectively deploy resources by logistics providers to handle and clear cargo handling
- Strive to introduce Port Community Systems and secure data exchange platforms in IMO Member State ports.
- Review existing IMO guidance on Maritime Cyber Risk Management on their ability to address cyber risks in ports, developing additional guidance where needed.
- Raise awareness, avoid misconceptions, standardize and promote best practices as to how port communities can apply emerging technologies.
- Increase health security in port environments for all stakeholders on board and on shore by applying innovation and technological solutions.
- Develop a practical roadmap that facilitates a digital port environment where port community service providers and users can securely share data.
- Establish a coalition of willing stakeholders to improve transparency of the supply chain, starting with long overdue introduction of the electronic bill of lading.
- Support smaller, less developed, and under-staffed port communities with technical facilities and personnel training.
Working on these priorities requires collaboration between maritime supply chain industry stakeholders and government. Above all, it calls for inter-governmental collaboration as the acceleration of digitalisation will require change management at local, regional, and national levels.
…the associations concluded.
