DCSA - Experts & Thought Leaders

IKEA Supply AG has joined DCSA+, the Digital Container Shipping Association’s partnership programme for advancing digital standards across the container shipping industry. As the first shipper to participate, IKEA Supply AG adds the cargo owner perspective to a growing community of carriers, forwarders, terminals, feeders and technology providers working together to improve interoperability and data exchange through shared standards. Global container shipping operations IKEA Supply AG, part of Inter IKEA Group’s Supply business, is responsible for the flow of IKEA products from suppliers to franchisees worldwide. The company participates in DCSA+ as part of its broader effort to increase transparency, automation, and consistency across its global container shipping operations. Through DCSA+, IKEA Supply AG contributes to collaboration across the value chain, supporting practical, scalable adoption of digital standards in day-to-day operations. Container transport ecosystem DCSA+ convenes industry participants to align digital practices and accelerate implementation of open standards that enhance efficiency and reliability across the container transport ecosystem. IKEA Supply AG’s participation further strengthens the programme’s role as a forum for shared learning and coordinated progress between cargo owners, carriers and the wider container shipping ecosystem. IKEA Supply AG is collaborating with DCSA on the development of digital standards that support the development of harmonised data definitions that enhance visibility and predictability across the transport chain. Container shipping ecosystem “At IKEA, we believe collaboration is the way to make global shipping more sustainable and predictable. By joining DCSA+, we can help create digital solutions that make it easier for everyone involved to share information, improve transparency, and in the end - deliver better shopping experiences for IKEA customers around the world by making sure our products are available where and when they need them at an affordable price,” says Ewelina Taylor, Global Transport Manager at Inter IKEA Group. “Welcoming IKEA Supply AG to DCSA+ reflects the growing recognition of the role that shared digital standards play in making global container shipping more efficient and connected,” said Mariana Bock-Losada, Chief Growth Officer at DCSA. Enabling greater alignment “Having a global category leader engage directly in this work validates the relevance of the DCSA+ model and strengthens collaboration between cargo owners and carriers as we move toward consistent digital practices across the industry.” As more organisations across the logistics sector engage through DCSA+, the programme continues to extend its reach, enabling greater alignment and collaboration on digital standard implementation worldwide.

The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has published the first API-based standard developed under DCSA’s framework for verified gross mass exchange, designed to simplify compliance, increase transparency, and accelerate digitalisation across container shipping. The Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirement, mandated by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) SOLAS Convention since 2016, ensures containers are weighed before loading onto a vessel. Currently, VGM data is typically shared through emails, spreadsheets, carrier portals, or EDI messages, each using different formats and validation rules. This fragmented approach creates manual work, inconsistent visibility, and increased operational risk. DCSA VGM Standard The DCSA VGM Standard introduces a unified API for real-time submission, validation, and exchange of verified container weight information across shippers, carriers, terminals and other parties involved. Built on DCSA’s data model, it enables carriers and their customers to make a transition to the APIs based VGM submission for the better data quality, automation, and integration. The standard is fully aligned with SOLAS requirements and consistent with other DCSA APIs such as Booking, Track & Trace, and eBL.  Category-pioneering shippers and ocean carriers have been closely involved in shaping the standard, reflecting strong demand for streamlined VGM processes and improved data interoperability.  Unified framework “Sharing VGM data through a mix of EDI, emails, and different system formats can create inconsistencies across the industry,” said Angel L. Muñoz, Senior Director Global Logistics at Al Dahra Holding, adding “The DCSA VGM Standard offers a unified framework that enhances data accuracy, streamlines communication, and supports smoother, more reliable operations for all stakeholders.” John Kim, Senior Manager on HMM’s Digitalisation Team, states “As part of our long-standing focus on digitalisation, we recognise that customers need VGM to be included to enable true end-to-end API integration and seamless information flow.”  Transition to an API ecosystem “The VGM Standard is one of the key elements to supporting the ongoing transition to an API ecosystem for container shipping” said Kristina Jumelet, Product Owner at DCSA, adding “VGM processes have long depended on a mix of manual steps and fragmented solutions.” “By introducing a common, API-based standard, we’re addressing a gap that has limited automation and user experience consistency. This is an important addition to the DCSA standards catalogue in our efforts to digitalise shipping processes to enable our industry to move toward faster, more accurate, and fully traceable information exchange.” All DCSA standards are published for public use to support interoperability and drive digitalisation across container shipping.

With under four weeks to go until the inaugural Container Terminal Automation Conference Asia (CTAC Asia), the agenda has everything ports and terminals are looking for! Seeing as Asia’s ports are facing growing pressures from congestion and the rising demand for increased logistics, the agenda presents strategies, insights and new technology presentations from major industry figures. Bringing together expert figures, the agenda will examine the region’s unique challenges across, digitalisation, cybersecurity, sustainability, electrification, and automation. Top experts will be taking to the stage with keynote addresses from: Joe Schofield, Senior Director and COO/APMT Rep at Port of Tanjung Pelepas Harry Nguyen, CEO and Founder, Realtime Business Solutions Harrison Nguyen, Business Development Manager, Realtime Business Solutions Roy de Haan, Program Director for Feeders and Terminals, DCSA Sangkom Kositwiwat, IT Director, KLN Seaport Limited Here are the top sessions visitors won’t want to miss: CTAC Asia 2025 Scene Setter: Trends, Challenges and Strategic Priorities in Asian Container Terminals The panellists will identify major themes, including global trade shifts, technology adoption, sustainability Offering a strategic overview of the current market conditions for Asian container terminals, this session will explore key challenges and emerging opportunities.  The panellists will identify major themes, including global trade shifts, technology adoption, sustainability, resilience strategies, and workforce transformation. Speakers: Jayendu Krishna, Director and Head, Drewry Maritime Advisors Anthonie Versluis, Senior Advisor Ports and Maritime, Independent Mahim Khanna, Regional Director, Portwise The Digital Terminal 1: Building the Foundation for a Data-Driven Operation Find out how smaller Asian terminals can strategically begin their digital transformation by implementing foundational systems like TOS, digitising workflows, and managing operational data. The panellists will share practical insights and lessons learned to help operators avoid common pitfalls and prepare for a data-driven future. Moderator: Allan Gray, Chief Executive Officer, Sentient Ports Speakers: Muhammed Shafeek, Business Solutions Specialist, Qterminals Mahim Khanna, Regional Director, Portwise Carlo Mojica, Senior Consultant for Port Solutions, Moffatt & Nichol The Digital Terminal 2: Steps Towards Digital Maturity and Tools for a More Visible and Efficient Operation Continuing from the first part of this topic, this session will focus on helping terminals advance toward intelligent, data-driven operations by achieving greater digital maturity. Experts will discuss readiness indicators, integration challenges, and the transformative potential of technologies like AI, automation, IoT, and digital twins. Moderator: Chand Dhaliwal, Senior Partner, Argos Partners Speakers: Harry Nguyen, CEO and Founder, Realtime Business Solutions Adel Alsooj, Head of GRC, Qterminals Sangkom Kositwiwat, IT Director, KLN Seaport Limited Zack Lu, Senior Project Manager and Consultant, Portwise Felix Czerny, Co-Founder and CEO, Conroo Challenges for Terminals in Developing Nations and the Potential of Growth Markets Expect real-world strategies and partnerships that help build resilient, efficient terminals Examine how operators can seize opportunities in emerging economies despite challenges like infrastructure gaps, regulatory hurdles, and limited digital tools. Expect real-world strategies and partnerships that help build resilient, efficient terminals, while fostering local collaboration and long-term growth. Speakers to be announced soon. Opening at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur Hotel, Malaysia, from 8 to 9 September 2025, CTAC Asia is promising to deliver an exciting two-day programme, jam-packed with unmissable sessions! By attending, industry professionals will come together to spark meaningful conversations, actionable insights, and valuable connections to shape the future of terminal operations in Asia. Explore the full agenda by clicking here and then register for your ticket today.