HMM has recently completed three pilot projects to implement DCSA standards in collaboration with Genesis, Samsung SDS, and HelloContainer.
These pilots evaluated how the adoption of Booking and Bill of Lading standards can improve the accuracy, visibility, and efficiency of digital information sharing.
Each of these trials was conducted in a live environment, with DCSA providing support through onboarding, technical facilitation, and partner alignment.
Enhancing data exchange efficiency
This marks the first occasion HMM has teamed up with multiple ecosystem partners to validate standardised API-based data exchanges, enhancing the speed, accuracy, and reliability of booking and documentation updates.
The initiative highlights the potential of collaborative efforts across the value chain to translate digital frameworks into real-world operational practices.
DCSA Conformance system insights
John Kim, Senior Manager of Digital at HMM, stated, “The DCSA Conformance system proved valuable in verifying that carrier-developed APIs functioned correctly. From this, HMM recognised that collaboration beyond conformance was essential. Conducting pilots between parties that had passed the conformance test became a practical way to advance toward a standardised digital environment.”
Mr Kim further added that the successful completion of the three pilots provided practical experience and a strong foundation for further implementation efforts. HMM, together with Samsung SDS and HelloContainer, is now utilising these outcomes in preparation for production, a process he likened to mastering a wave on a surfboard as they navigate the digital shipping landscape.
Addressing inefficiencies in booking processes
HMM conducted a test of the DCSA Booking standard aimed at redefining booking confirmation exchanges
During the collaboration with Genesis, HMM conducted a test of the DCSA Booking standard aimed at redefining booking confirmation exchanges across various systems.
This pilot complemented the existing EDIFACT-based processes, integrating modern APIs to tackle inefficiencies tied to manual workflows and custom integrations. These traditional systems often relied on spreadsheets and repeated data entry, which can result in missed updates or expensive downstream corrections.
By adopting the DCSA's standardised interface to automate booking updates, the teams managed to achieve faster, more precise information exchanges while also reducing operational workload. Furthermore, the feedback collected during this process is expected to help refine future DCSA guidelines.
Improving data quality with standardised APIs
In partnership with Samsung SDS, HelloContainer, and FrieslandCampina—represented by HelloContainer as the cargo owner—HMM explored the use of DCSA Booking and Bill of Lading standards to replace fragmented EDI and email methods with a scalable, reusable approach.
This pilot focused on enhancing data quality and alignment across systems to address long-standing issues, such as inconsistencies in carrier messages and delays in shared updates, including estimated arrival times. HelloContainer is already operating under the DCSA Track & Trace standard and aims to go live with the Booking and Bill of Lading standards by the end of 2025.
Collaborative progress and industry implications
Reflecting on the initiative's outcomes, Mariana Bock-Losada, Chief Growth Officer at DCSA, remarked, “This initiative reflects the collaborative progress we aim to achieve through DCSA+. HMM’s pilots are a clear demonstration of why standardisation matters.”
She emphasized that the adoption of DCSA-conformant Booking and Bill of Lading APIs by HMM shows that carriers and their counterparts can connect directly without the need for custom integrations, showcasing how standardisation transforms digital collaboration into a scalable industry capability.
This significant achievement underscores the essential role of collaboration across the industry in promoting digital advancement. By fostering partnerships between carriers and various ecosystem stakeholders, the DCSA facilitates the sharing of insights, technical alignment, and collective learning.
This approach accelerates the development of open, interoperable standards for global container shipping, turning pilots such as these into scalable implementation models for the broader industry.
