Five container shipping companies intend to create an association with the purpose of paving the way for digitalization, standardization and interoperability in the container shipping industry. IT executives from CMA CGM, A.P. Moller–Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC and Ocean Network Express (ONE) are currently discussing the creation of common information technology standards which shall be openly available and free of charge for all stakeholders of the wider container shipping industry. In the case of obtaining all necessary approvals, the association will begin work in early 2019.
“It’s in the customers’ and all stakeholders’ best interest, if container shipping companies operate with a common set of information technology standards”, says 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 technologies create 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”, he added.
