Port St. Maarten representatives and information technology (IT)/software developer representatives meeting with TEATT Secretary-General Miguel De Weever (right) about IPCSA.
PHILIPSBURG--Port St. Maarten was unanimously accepted as the latest member of International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), an organisation which promotes the adoption of e-logistics as a key element in the development of the international maritime, shipping and logistics sectors. The port is also the first Caribbean port to become a member of the association.
IPCSA is the successor to European Port Community Systems Association (EPCSA).
EPCSA was originally formed in June 2011 by six founding members, all European-based Port Community System operators. The reason for forming EPCSA was that Port Community System Operators (PCSOs) did not have a common lobbying position at the European Union (EU).
On September 1, 2014, the association changed from a European organisation to an international organisation to better reflect its growing membership, which by then had already included members from Ukraine, Israel, and Australia.
“We have been working diligently to introduce our own Port Community System (PCS) that would enhance cargo handling for stakeholders and customers. The PCS involves data-sharing among stakeholders and third parties covering cargo and cruise operations at the country’s seaport of entry.
“We are very pleased that we are the first Caribbean port to become a member of this international organisation. We look forward to being an integral part of this community as we now embark on a new way of doing business through our port community system environment. Being able to share best practices and learning from other likeminded destinations/organisations is key to our continued growth and forward-thinking mindset.
“Port St. Maarten is at the forefront of digitalisation. It is part of the port’s long-term strategic approach in digitisation planning and building a more inclusive data centre platform.
“The port’s PCS is also in line with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic FAL, which allows the shipping process to move more quickly, more easily and more efficiently,” said Port St. Maarten in a press release on Monday.
