[181118.EN.BIZ] Major Liners to Form New Body For Digitalisation And Standardisation

THE world's five major shipping lines AP Moller-Maersk, CMA CGM, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hapag-Lloyd and MSC plan to form a new container shipping association to pave the way for digitalisation, standardisation and interoperability in the container shipping industry.

The five shipping lines have nominated their IT executives to discuss the creation of common information technology standards which will be openly available and free of charge for all stakeholders of the container shipping segment, reports Seatrade Maritime News of Colchester, UK.

MSC's CIO Andre Simha said it is in the best interest of customers and all stakeholders if container shipping companies operate with a common set of information technology standards.

"We are striving for less red tape and better transparency. The timing is right, as emerging technologies create new customer friendly opportunities. Together, we gain traction in delivering technological breakthroughs and services to our customers compared to working in our closed silos," Mr Simha commented.

The five lines identified a need for a neutral, non-profit body for ocean carriers and the association will not discuss any commercial or operational matters. It also has no intent of developing or operating any digital platform and its only aim is to ensure interoperability through standardisation.

The new association is planned to operate from early-2019, subject to any applicable regulatory requirements.

"A joint set of technical standards will ensure interoperability and enable all parties to concentrate on value adding differentiation as we move the container shipping industry towards further digitalisation. Ultimately this will benefit all parties in our customer' supply chains," said Adam Banks, chief technology & information officer at AP Moller-Maersk.

Noriaki Yamaga, managing director, corporate & innovation, ONE, has seen a wave of innovation technology development in shipping and logistics industry over the recent years.

"But, at the same time, we're a little bit cautious about adopting new technology by individual company since there is no common standard in the market which may be ending up with re-integrating work among all stakeholders in the supply chain," Mr Yamaga said.

"With this in mind, we feel it would be necessary to do some discussion and collaboration on the area of new technology and innovation to establish common IT standard and governance for the industry to streamline and digitalise shipping process in a modern way," he added.

Source : HKSG.