IPCSA and PROTECT finalise electronic information exchange integration one year early

IPCSA and PROTECT finalise electronic information exchange integration one year early


The drive for global standards in electronic messaging at ports has been given a major boost with news from the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) that the standards specialist group PROTECT has now been fully integrated into the association, a year earlier than expected.

The move has consolidated, within one organisation, an unrivalled level of knowledge and experience in standardised and harmonised electronic information exchange; this renewed strength and focus will help to accelerate innovations and advances in the sector.

PROTECT was established in 1992 by six major ports in Europe, to harmonise and optimise electronic information exchange by means of standardised messages legally required in ports.

The number of its participants subsequently grew, to include port authorities and Port Community System operators. PROTECT became a working group within IPCSA at the end of 2019.

Richard Morton, secretary general of IPCSA, said: “The full integration of PROTECT into IPCSA is a significant step forward in the area of electronic messaging standards. Despite difficult circumstances with COVID-19 during 2020, the transition of PROTECT proceeded smoothly. It was therefore decided by PROTECT members to fully integrate into IPCSA a year earlier than expected.”

PROTECT’s mission, vision, values and objectives will be reviewed and updated in the first part of 2021, said Hans Rook, chairman of IPCSA, who added: “We are delighted that PROTECT is now totally integrated into IPCSA. By combining the very considerable expertise of both groups, we will accelerate our work in supporting international standards, including in the delivery of Just-In-Time [ship arrival] APIs and data through international standards bodies.”

Although it started as an EU project, PROTECT is now recognised globally. It has responsibility for the development and maintenance of the IFTDGN dangerous goods notification message, the WASDIS waste disposal information message and the BERMAN berth services request message.

For more information visit ipcsa.international

25th January 2021