Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has released a series of interface standards to enable just-in-time (JIT) port calls to cut industry emissions
The non-profit association representing major container lines published the standards and messaging application programming interface (API) specifications as shipping begins trialling technology for JIT port calls.
If this is implemented more widely within the shipping industry it could prevent port queues and congestion. More importantly for the environment, it will enable owners to set optimal speeds for vessels during voyages to reach their port berth more precisely when quayside space is available, cutting emissions.
DCSA released interface standards and API specifications for the first 18 event timestamps defined in its JIT port call data definitions enabling automated data exchange between carriers, ports and terminals for the five main phases involved in any port call.
The five phases are berth arrival planning; pilot boarding place (PBP) arrival planning; PBP and berth arrival execution and start cargo operations; cargo completion and port departure planning; and berth departure execution.
Container vessel and terminal operators at two ports are currently testing the standards. DCSA said the tests “will provide critical feedback for further enhancement of the standards as needed.”
This is the second publication of DCSA’s JIT port call programme, which will ultimately include more than 50 event timestamps.
DCSA said this would “provide a complete framework for all activities involved in the five main port call phases.”
More information, interface standards and API definitions for the remaining event timestamps will be published “in the coming quarters”. All API definitions are available to download for free from SwaggerHub and reference implementations are posted to GitHub.
DCSA said port call data definitions can be freely downloaded from its website.
These definitions will allow carriers, ports and terminals to exchange event data in a uniform way, enabling digital planning and operational optimisation.
“Widespread adoption is the first step towards achieving a digital, global, transparent, JIT port call ecosystem that will ultimately lower fuel consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said DCSA.
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