These port call data definitions address the six main parts
of a port call:
Berth arrival planning
Pilot boarding place arrival and service planning
Pilot boarding place and berth arrival execution
Start cargo operations and services
Services and port departure planning
Port departure execution
The published interface standards allow carriers, ports,
terminals, and other service providers involved in port calls to exchange data
in a uniform way, enabling automatic data exchange. Additionally, they support
digital port call planning, increased operational efficiency and optimal
resource utilisation.
The DCSA collaborated with the Internal Taskforce Port Call
Optimization (ITPCO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to align
port call data definitions to existing standards. The standards are currently
being tested by carriers, ports, terminals, and other service providers around
the globe.
“Achieving just-in-time port calls requires accurate,
real-time communication between carriers, ports and terminals,” said Phanthian
Zuesongdham, Head of Division Port Process Solution for the Hamburg Port
Authority.
“DCSA digital standards are key to enabling this level of
communication on a global scale. We are excited to be part of this effort to
test the efficacy of their standards for optimising a very important container
shipping process. As Germany’s leading transshipment hub, this collaboration is
another example of our ongoing effort to maintain and extend our leadership
position by adopting state-of-the-art technologies and fostering innovation for
our business and the industry at large.”
Thomas Bagge, CEO of the DCSA, added “Customers of shipping
services want visibility and predictability, having a complete set of standards
for port calls is an important step towards improving the efficiency and
accuracy of data exchange between all parties. The port call is the perfect way
to showcase how critical it is to have an interoperable technology framework
that enables seamless communication and cross-stakeholder collaboration.
“By adopting DCSA standards for just-in-time port calls,
operational vessel schedules and track & trace, the industry will see an
emerging digital ecosystem where these activities turn into collaborative,
data-driven, digital processes. Carriers, ports, terminals, service providers
and customers of container shipping alike will gain efficiency, cargo
visibility and cost savings.
“Digitalisation also improves sustainability through better
communication and planning, thereby reducing fuel consumption, greenhouse gas
emissions and paper waste. We are committed to helping all industry
stakeholders adopt DCSA standards and realise value for their organisations.”
DCSA Port Call Data Definitions can be freely downloaded
from the DCSA website.
This follows the news that the DCSA released version 2.2 of
its Track & Trace Interface Standard for customer-facing events. Announced
in October 2021, the updated version includes the DCSA Subscription Callback
API, which allows customers to subscribe to receive automatic updates of
shipment events from carriers.