DCSA releases new standard definitions for container operations

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has released its ‘Load List and Bay Plan Definitions’, designed to establish standards and timelines for communication of container volumes between vessel sharing agreement (VSA) partners, ports and terminals.

In a statement the DCSA said the new definitions combine existing event standards with recommended already existing submission timelines, in agreement with its nine member carriers.

“When preparing port calls, it is essential for the vessel operator to be able to forecast the estimated number of container moves (load and discharge) in order to estimate the required terminal equipment (cranes etc.), and hence, the duration of the call,” the DCSA said.

“As such, the vessel operator relies on receiving timely and accurate information from partners about the volume of containers they intend to load within their allocation and how the contents need to be stowed.”

In setting the definitions, DCSA said it consulted four of the world’s largest terminal operators. Adoption of the new definitions will help “maximise efficiency of cargo operations and enable better planning of related shipping activities,” it said.

It continued by saying it is the first in a series of standards releases that specifically address cargo operations. Subsequent standards will expand to topics such as empty handling and dangerous goods.

https://www.porttechnology.org/news/dcsa-releases-new-standard-definitions-for-container-operations/