KALE & IPCSA COLLABORATE TO DRIVE ADOPTION OF MARITIME SINGLE WINDOW FOR DATA EXCHANGE

The pair release whitepaper to address uncertainty surrounding the soon-to-be mandatory platform and call for maritime industry to prioritise digitalisation to improve efficiency

Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) and International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) have released a joint whitepaper to drive uptake of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) concept, ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) January 2024 mandate for digital data exchange.

Kale’s MSW is a platform that enables information and documentation to be transferred electronically between maritime and port stakeholders, in accordance with IMO standards.

The whitepaper sets out usage guidelines for MSW and a framework for the complete life cycle of the solution to accelerate digital maturity in worldwide maritime operations.

Some uncertainty remains about the need for and challenges regarding Maritime Single Window. This whitepaper plays a major role in clearing up the ambiguities regarding technology adoption and how MSW can seamlessly facilitate trade for the global maritime ecosystem.

Suneet Gupta , Global Head – Cargo Community Systems, Kale Logistics Solutions

A digitised five-step process flow of the Maritime Single Window defined in the report starts with submission of the Notice of Arrival by the ship owner/agent, followed by notification of vessel and cargo information to the port by the shipping line.

An import manifest file can then be created and integrated into the Customs system online, IMO Standard FAL forms and certificates can be uploaded, and vessel arrival clearance can be given to the ship owner.

In the final step, the ship owner can seek and receive departure clearance, digitally.

The full system enables MSW stakeholders to monitor a vessel's status in real time, ensuring information only needs to be inputted once and simplifying documentary procedures between all actors involved in sea-side operations.

Further benefits include enhanced crew and cargo safety, uninterrupted global supply chains, and data harmonisation, while also combatting illegal trade and malpractices associated with ship-shore interface.

Maritime Single Window is going to be the future of maritime trade, and now the whole world is looking forward to the first of January 2024 when it will become a mandatory norm. The whitepaper stresses the enormous benefits achieved by contactless and paperless operations, which began during the pandemic, and hence became an important point of discussion.

Nico De Cauwer, Lead of Standards & Technology of IPCSA

Amendments to the Facilitation (FAL) Convention by IMO’s Facilitation Committee will see the single window for data exchange become mandatory in ports around the world from 1st January 2024, marking a significant step in the acceleration of digitalisation in shipping.

Already discussed at the recent maritime symposium co-hosted by IMO, International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), and Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the pair’s whitepaper is billed for further discussion at the upcoming FAL committee meeting later this year

Gross Fuchs, a leading freight forwarder network with members worldwide, has announced that it will be providing its members with access to the latest product from CargoAi, CargoWALLET.

CargoWALLET is a modern payment solution for air cargo with supply chain financing capabilities, allowing freight forwarders to make payments for their air cargo shipments directly within the CargoMART booking flow.

Developed by CargoAi, airfreight’s fastest growing digital enabler, CargoMART is a digital marketplace that simplifies air freight processes for freight forwarders of all sizes. Using CargoMART, freight forwarders are empowered to drive every stage of the air freight procurement process with greater efficiency and visibility - from planning, booking, monitoring shipments right through to monitoring their carbon emissions with Cargo2ZERO, CargoAi’s sustainability solution.

Integrated in the CargoMART booking flow, Cargo2ZERO provides CO2 visibility emission data on all CargoAi’s airline schedules, Routes and AWBs, calculated as per IATA RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 1678 STANDARD. With data provided from Cargo2ZERO, Gross Fuchs forwarders can report on their Scope 3 emissions and be fully aligned for environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting requirements. During each booking, they can take the further step to Optimize emissions for each shipment using Cargo2ZERO’s CO2 Efficiency Score as their industry benchmark by always selecting the route with least carbon emissions for their shipment. Gross Fuchs forwarders can also purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) with Neste, the leading producer of SAF, as an ‘add-on’ to each booking to scale climate action rapidly from an individual level.

With CargoWALLET, Gross Fuchs members can additionally benefit from a seamless payment solution, all within one interface. One of the key benefits of CargoWALLET is its streamlined booking and payment process, which allows freight forwarders to search and book shipments instantly, without the need for IATA Cass Number, AWB stock, or bank guarantees. CargoWALLET also provides flexible finance options, such as extended payment terms (PayLater), which can help freight forwarders manage their cash flow more effectively. Additionally, CargoWALLET enables bookings to be made from any origin as well as the lowest exchange rates in over 30 currencies, increasing the global reach and business potential for Gros Fuchs members.

We are thrilled to offer the full scope CargoAi’s digital ecosystem to all our members. We believe that Cargo2ZERO and CargoWALLET will enhance the overall freight procurement process for all our members. Sustainability is a key focus for us and our members, and with the added advantages of flexible finance options and global reach, CargoMART is the perfect digital marketplace to our network of freight forwarders.

Viktor André Fuchs, COO, Gross Fuchs

We are delighted to see our solutions adopted by Gross Fuchs. By simplifying the procurement process, CargoMART empowers freight forwarders to focus on what they do best - moving goods around the world.

Matthieu Petot , CEO, CargoAi