EPCSA launches with an ‘Added Dimension’

That was the clear message from speakers at ‘The Added Dimension’, the inaugural conference and launch of the European Port Community Systems Association (EPCSA), held at the World Customs Organization in Brussels.

Speakers from DG TAXUD, DG MOVE, the World Customs Organization and UNECE all welcomed the creation of EPCSA, which was described as a much needed association that could contribute much to the harmonisation and simplification of trade throughout Europe.

“Port Community Systems indeed are an area where we were missing an association, said Manuela Cabral of DG TAXUD. “It has been difficult for the EC to get an overview of what is happening in this area of PCSs. We have been in the situation where we are involved in the development of Single Windows but have had the absence of such a contributor to the discussions. The creation of EPCSA should allow us to move at a faster speed in the non-traditional customs area.”

Ms Cabral said the creation of EPCSA was “perfect timing”, and thanked EPCSA’s members “for the idea and the courage to launch this organisation”.

Jukka Savo, of DG MOVE, outlined the huge projected growth in maritime traffic in Europe over the next 15 years and said PCSs would play a key role in keeping trade running smoothly. “Fuel costs we expect will rise significantly, so we need to have transport using less energy, transport that is cleaner, and more intelligent networks.”

It was “very much in our interests” to build up information technologies, said Mr Savo. “The EC is very much favouring PCSs and supporting the further use and sharing of data. Our purpose is facilitation. It isn’t to build new regulations or legislation. Rather, we are asking industry what we need to do to make the sector work more easily.”

There were also congratulations for EPCSA from Gareth Lewis, of the World Customs Organization, who described PCSs as “vital in the interaction between Customs and the business of the port. We have a long appreciation of PCSs and, as Single Windows develop, we are going to ensure to a maximum degree we can that there is integration with the work that PCSs do.”

“Port Community Systems are the most advanced method for the exchange of information within the single or national port community infrastructure, said EPCSA chairman Pascal Ollivier. “It isn’t only a significant exchange of information – it is an intelligent exchange of information.”

There are a number of countries and/or ports in Europe which don’t have a PCS in operation, he said. “Part of the e-maritime initiative of DG Move is to move from today’s situation where 40 ports have PCSs in place, to a situation where PCSs are in place in more than 200 ports. Where no automated systems are in place, we believe that PCSs are ideally placed to provide the foundation or backbone of Single Window when we have to start from scratch. In this way, PCSs can be seen as the gateway to the National Single Window concept.”