The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has released a new report analysing the state of digitalisation across the container sector, based on feedback from a range of industry stakeholders.
DCSA is a non-profit organisation established in 2019 by 9 of the 10 largest container shipping companies to establish IT standards that would enable interoperability of maritime technology systems, to facilitate digital interconnectivity and seamless data communication.
The group’s new report, ‘The State of the Industry 2024: Insights on Digital Evolution in Container Shipping‘, includes data based on a survey of 400 cargo owners and 45 interviews to explore the progress, benefits, and challenges of digitalisation within the sector.
“Our landmark report marks a pivotal moment for the industry and gives us the important opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made so far,” said DCSA CEO, Thomas Bagge.
“This past year, we’ve seen significant growth in the adoption of our standards across carriers and this momentum reflects the industry’s commitment to a fully digitalised, more efficient supply chain.”
The report found that 90% of cargo owners are prepared to adopt digital solutions, however 66% said that they still require external support, particularly in areas such as technology integration and overcoming outdated infrastructure.
A strong link between adopting digital standards and operational efficiency was acknowledged by participants, but they face challenges such as system complexity and implementation costs within their organisations.
Terminals were also reported to be effectively leveraging digital tools to scale operations and reduce manual processes, with real-time data integration improving efficiency. However, resistance remains from unions and concerns persist about operational disruptions during the transition to digital systems.
Freight forwarders are leveraging digitalisation to improve communication and operational efficiency according to the report, with real-time data offering enhanced coordination across the supply chain. However, they face challenges in integrating new systems with their legacy infrastructure, and insufficient investment in modern digital tools is seen as a significant barrier.
The full report can be downloaded here.
