Focusing on the digitalization of ports and maritime supply chains, the agreement aims to promote data collaboration, interoperability, cyber security and digital resilience
The International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) signed an MoU today at the 2026 IAPH World Ports Conference held at the ICC Olympia.
The agreement aims to build on both organisation’s efforts to promote the digitalisation of ports and maritime supply chains and follows years of collaboration on the topic – most recently at the IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in April when IPCSA co-sponsored IAPH’s successful proposal to adopt amendments to the FAL Convention to include a mandatory cyber security standard to safeguard Maritime Single Windows (MSW).
The main topics covered by the MoU are:
- Digitalization of ports and maritime supply chains, specifically promotion of the adoption of Port Community Systems (PCS) and Maritime Single Window (MSW) solutions, and their effective implementation.
- Data collaboration and interoperability, including encouraging the use of common standards and interoperable digital solutions.
- Cybersecurity and digital resilience, including a focus on cyber-resilient PCS
- Capacity building and knowledge sharing
- Joint advocacy and representation, related to submissions to the IMO, among others
The MoU was signed at the conclusion of a high-level conference roundtable focused on data harmonisation for Port Call Optimisation (PCO) and supply chain resilience, at which IPCSA Secretary-General Nico De Cauwer was an expert panellist.
The panel session included the presentation of A Common Digital Infrastructure Standard for Supply Chain Resilience in Container Ports: Creating Cargo Traceability for Multi-modal Supply Chain Operations, an output of the IAPH Data Collaboration Committee developed with the support of the Supply Chain Resilience Taskforce, of which IPCSA is a key member.
Demonstrating the spirit of knowledge sharing and collaboration underpinning the MoU, IAPH Data Collaboration Chair Ingrid Boqué participated last week in the IPCSA Annual Meeting, where she presented IAPH's ongoing work on trusted data corridors and engaged with IPCSA members in discussions on interoperability.
IAPH Managing Director Patrick Verhoeven commented: “The adoption and effective implementation of Port Community Systems (PCS) and Maritime Single Window (MSW) solutions is critical to the industry’s future. IPCSA is a valued long-term collaborator with IAPH and this MoU takes the partnership to the next stage – ensuring the port industry’s critical role in fostering a cybersecure and digitally resilient supply chain.”
IPCSA Secretary-General Nico De Cauwer commented: “Port Community Systems and Single Window environments are vital digital ecosystems that act more and more as trusted, secure and resilient networks for the port areas they serve. We see major port authorities taking up the role as 'community builders' for the benefit of the port's supply chain resilience, and to support PCS-services beyond the traditional boundaries of their port area. Together with the IAPH, IPCSA wants to emphasize this important role in the digital journey of ports, and to support port authority members of IAPH to bring awareness and expertise in this digital community domain.”
About IAPH
Founded in 1955, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) has developed into a global alliance of 216 port authorities as well as 186 port-related businesses. Comprised of over 97 different nationalities across the world’s continents, member ports handle over one third of the world’s sea-borne trade and well over 60% of the world container traffic. Since 1967, the Association has represented port authorities and operators as the official UN-recognized consultative NGO of the International Maritime Organization, fostering industry collaboration and excellence. IAPH leads global port industry initiatives on decarbonisation and energy transition, risk and resilience management, and accelerating digitalisation in the maritime transport chain. The IAPH’s World Ports Sustainability Program has grown into the reference database of best practices of ports applying the UN Sustainable Development Goals and integrating them into their businesses – iaphworldports.org.
For more information, please contact IAPH Membership Outreach and Networks Director Victor Shieh: victor.shieh@iaphworldports.org
About IPCSA
IPCSA is an international association of Sea and Air Port Community System operators, sea and air port authorities and Single Window operators that is recognised across the globe for providing advice and guidance on the electronic exchange of information across borders and throughout the whole supply chain.
The association has members from across the globe who handle the exchange of information for Business to Business, Government to Business and Government to Government processes and facilitate the smooth cross-border movement of goods. This equates to the electronic exchange of information relating to more than 500 million TEU movements and 10 billion tonnes of cargo for air, sea and land transport – estimated to be in excess of 50 billion million exchanges every year.
IPCSA focuses on supporting and facilitating systems and innovations for Port Community System members and users, and promoting the use of international data standards in sea and air ports, at border crossings and via Single Window systems around the world. IPCSA is a recognised NGO with consultative status at UNECOSOC and IMO.
For more information, please contact IPCSA Secretary General Secretary-General Nico De Cauwer: nico.decauwer@ipcsa.international