A.P. Moller – Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Ocean Network Express plan to establish a new container shipping association.
The move is intended to ‘pave the way for digitalisation, standardisation and interoperability in the container shipping industry’.
In addition, IT executives from A.P. Moller – Maersk, CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Ocean Network Express are discussing the creation of common information technology standards which will be openly available and free of charge for all stakeholders of the wider container shipping industry.
“It’s in the customers’ and all stakeholders’ best interest, if container shipping companies operate with a common set of information technology standards”, said André Simha, CIO of MSC and spokesperson of the group.
“We are striving for less red tape and better transparency. The timing is right, as emerging technologiescreate new customer friendly opportunities. Together, we gain traction in delivering technological breakthroughs and services to our customers compared to working in our own closed silos.”
The shipping industry already has multiple organisations and associations, but the new group’s members say they’ve identified a need for a neutral and non-profit body for ocean carriers that is driven by delivering benefits for the industry and its stakeholders.
The new association claims it has no intent of developing or operating any digital platform, but aims to ensure interoperability through standardisation. Similarly, the association will not discuss any commercial or operational matters.
