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Standardization: The Backbone of Maritime Innovation

Standardization in the maritime industry isn’t just about setting rules—it’s about enabling collaboration and efficiency in an environment filled with diverse stakeholders. With so many moving parts, from shipping lines and ports to regulators and technology providers, having a common framework ensures smoother operations and better outcomes for all.

1. Problem-Solving First, Standardization Second

Standardization doesn’t emerge from thin air. It starts with someone identifying a problem and taking the first step toward solving it. Early adopters test new ideas, refine processes, and uncover best practices. Once these approaches prove effective, standardization initiatives step in to formalize them, ensuring interoperability and industry-wide adoption.

Take, for example, port call optimization. The International Taskforce Port Call Optimization (ITPCO) in Rotterdam pioneered efforts to map out key operational timestamps, helping stakeholders identify critical points where communication and coordination are essential. These efforts laid the groundwork for broader adoption, with the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) taking the baton to expand these practices beyond ports and into the liner shipping and terminal sectors.

2. Collaboration Driving Efficiency

Industry-led initiatives like Covantis, VAKT, and the DCSA have played a key role in setting up standardized protocols that drive efficiency across the maritime ecosystem. By defining how industry players work together, these initiatives pave the way for scalable and sustainable improvements that benefit the entire supply chain.

The result is more consistent and reliable ways to manage port calls, schedules, and operational planning, leading to significant cost savings and enhanced efficiency. By embracing standardized data exchanges and operational frameworks, maritime stakeholders can optimize workflows and improve decision-making across the board.

3. A Global Foundation for Standardization

What’s even more exciting is the momentum building around these standards on a global scale. The Global Maritime Forum is now leveraging these frameworks to push for even greater operational excellence across the industry. With API-based data exchanges and digital interoperability becoming the norm, the maritime industry is shifting toward a smarter, more interconnected future.

As standardization continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: it’s not just about setting rules—it’s about creating an ecosystem where efficiency, collaboration, and innovation thrive. The maritime industry is on the brink of a transformative era, and the journey is just beginning.

Léon Gommans | CEO/Co Founder of Teqplay

A serial entrepreneur who’s passionate about #innovation, #technology, #collaboration, and of course, #maritime. The mission is: to connect the dots & to get it to work, together with the industry!

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