The Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) has introduced DCSA+, a new partnership programme designed to accelerate the adoption of digital standards across the container shipping industry.

The programme creates a structured framework for engaging a broader range of industry stakeholders – including cargo owners, freight forwarders, technology providers, terminals, and feeder operators – to drive efficiency and standardisation.

DCSA’s core members, primarily ocean carriers, have been instrumental in shaping foundational digital standards. With DCSA+, participation extends across the shipping value chain, ensuring that digital solutions are developed with a wider set of perspectives and real-world applications in mind.

Mariana Bock-Losada, Chief Growth Officer at the DCSA said, “DCSA+ is an important step in advancing digital transformation in container shipping. By engaging a broader network of stakeholders, we can ensure digital standards are practical, scalable, and aligned with industry realities.”

What DCSA+ offers

According to a DCSA press release, “the programme is built around three key service offerings: 

• Connect – Partners will build meaningful industry relationships through:
  • Engagement in exclusive strategic roundtables focused on major industry challenges and trends 
  • Participation in “Collaborathons” – innovation-driven events bringing stakeholders together to solve shared challenges 
  • Access to other exclusive networking opportunities and industry insights 
• Accelerate – Unlocking efficiency & drive adoption. Partners will:
  • Receive direct implementation support from DCSA experts 
  • Leverage a digital implementation portal, featuring step-by-step playbooks, best practices, and integration guides 
  • Benefit from personalised implementation clinics and live training sessions 
• Contribute – Partners will have the opportunity to influence the future of digital shipping through:
  • Participation in early stage testing of new standards 
  • Access to exclusive previews of upcoming DCSA roadmap developments
  • The provision of input during Alpha and Beta phases of new standardisation initiatives”

The DCSA+ Partnership Programme officially launches on 5 March 2025. More details, including how to join, can be found at DCSA’s website.