DCSA+ launches initiative to enhance collaboration in container shipping
DCSA+ has announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration and advancing digital transformation within the container shipping sector. In a statement, the organisation asserted that the programme is designed to “provide industry leaders with a structured programme for organisations across sectors to ensure the industry moves forward in a co-ordinated and efficient manner.”
The initiative is an expansion of the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) and is set to include a broader range of participants from the container shipping value chain. These will encompass cargo owners, feeder operators, freight forwarders, technology providers, and terminal operators. This inclusion aims to create a more diverse and comprehensive network of stakeholders engaged in discussions about the future of digital standards in the industry.
DCSA+ intends to equip its partners with critical tools and insights, allowing them to address pervasive industry challenges effectively. The programme also includes expert guidance from the DCSA team to facilitate the practical implementation of standards while contributing to the development of future digital protocols.
The programme is structured around three key service offerings: Connect, Accelerate, and Contribute.
The first service, Connect, focuses on fostering industry relationships through participation in strategic roundtables that tackle significant challenges and trending issues within the sector. Stakeholders will also engage in Collaborathons—innovation-driven events designed to bring participants together to devise solutions to shared problems. In addition, partners will gain access to exclusive networking opportunities and critical industry insights.
The second offering, Accelerate, aims to increase efficiency and promote the adoption of digital practices. Partners will benefit from direct implementation support from DCSA experts, a digital implementation portal featuring comprehensive resources such as step-by-step playbooks, best practices, and integration guides. Furthermore, personalised implementation clinics and live training sessions will be available to partner organisations, ensuring tailored support throughout the transformation process.
The final service, Contribute, allows partners to have a say in shaping the future of digital shipping. This includes opportunities to test new standards in their early stages, access previews of forthcoming developments in the DCSA roadmap, and contribute feedback during the Alpha and Beta phases of new standardisation initiatives.
Mariana Bock-Losada, Chief Growth Officer at DCSA, expressed enthusiasm regarding the launch of DCSA+, stating, “The launch of DCSA+ is an exciting next step in our mission to digitally transform the container shipping industry. This programme is about more than just accelerating the adoption of digital standards ─ it’s about making them work for the entire industry. By expanding engagement beyond ocean carriers, we are enabling a more diverse group of stakeholders across the value chain to actively participate in shaping and implementing digital standards, complementing the important work carried out by our members over the past few years.”
Bock-Losada further noted that this collaborative approach ensures that digital solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with the evolving needs of the industry, indicating a readiness for collective change amongst stakeholders. "The enthusiasm we have seen so far proves the industry is ready to embrace this change together. We look forward to welcoming partners and continuing this vital work together,” she added.
The launch of DCSA+ signifies a pivotal moment for the container shipping industry as it seeks to enhance collaboration and drive digitisation, thereby fostering a more interconnected and efficient sector.