Innovation, AI, supply chain resilience and cybersecurity are among the key topics to be discussed by members of the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) during their two-day annual meeting being hosted by Tanger Med Port Authority this week (Wednesday 15 May-Thursday 16 May).
Port Community System and Single Window operators from around the world will attend the members’ meeting, which will take a regional perspective as well as a global view. A highlight will be the launch of IPCSA’s new Members’ Exchange Programme.
Javier Gallardo, Chairman of IPCSA and CEO of Portic, Barcelona, said: “We are delighted to be holding this members’ meeting in Tanger Med, a location which reflects IPCSA’s expansion far beyond its European roots to a globally established organisation. The crisis in the Red Sea has underlined the strategic location of Tanger Med as a regional and international hub and we look forward to visiting the port and learning more about its operations.”
Agenda highlights will include discussions around sustainability and cybersecurity, said Gallardo, along with sessions by IPCSA’s African region members, who will provide a snapshot of their operations and innovations.
“I look forward to gaining more knowledge about PCS and Single Window operations in the Africa region and, more broadly, I hope that all those attending will be inspired by the contribution to sustainability made by efficient PCS and digital solutions,” said the Chairman.
The members’ meeting is a tradition going back to IPCSA’s founding in 2011, said Nico De Cauwer, Secretary General of IPCSA. “We stick to that tradition and bring our members together at least once a year, so they can exchange valuable thoughts and insights, share experience, practical advice and feedback around specific topics of interest, and discuss views on various matters. This is one of the founding pillars of IPCSA, where members have always been willing to exchange knowledge and expertise in our domain with each other.
“The goal of our meeting is that members return home having learned how to tackle certain aspects of PCS operations within their local communities.”
De Cauwer added: “We are extremely grateful to Tanger Med Port Authority for hosting our meeting and for TMPA’s great enthusiasm and support in making this event a success. The Port of Tanger Med is evolving very quickly. TMPA has a clear vision on how the digital infrastructure needs to follow closely the ‘hard’ infrastructure when it comes to development of the port area. Tanger Med has implemented a state-of-the-art Port Community System which offers the services needed by stakeholders in the community in line with the overall development and expansion of the port’s ambitions and goals. In that sense, the topic and theme of our meeting, ‘PCSs of the future: Sustainable and Resilient’ clearly aligns with TMPA’s future-oriented approach.”
The launch of IPCSA’s Members Exchange Programme is of particular interest, noted De Cauwer. “This initiative will encourage members to visit and interact with each other, on a mutual visit basis with a programme agreed in advance, so that they can learn from each other in the environment of another member.”
He also highlighted the panel session to discuss the African ports’ perspective in their evolution from (trade) Single Windows towards more comprehensive and collaborative PCSs.
Hosting the IPCSA annual meeting represents a momentous opportunity for Tanger Med Port Authority, said Ridouan Boulaich, TMPA Director of Organisation and Information Systems. “This event unites key stakeholders in the PCS sector, fostering an unparalleled exchange of ideas and insights within our region. Not only does it signify a pivotal occasion for TMPA as a member of IPCSA, but it also serves as a platform for us to showcase our facilities and capabilities, thereby fortifying our position as a preeminent logistics hub for Africa and also on a global scale.”
TMPA’s partnership with IPCSA is instrumental in advancing the development of the Tanger Med Port Community System, bringing significant enhancements to its operational capabilities and service offerings, said Boulaich.
“We are committed to enhancing global trade efficiencies through strategic collaborations with IPCSA and its extensive global network. Our joint efforts are centered on advancing digitalisation initiatives that simplify and streamline trade and logistics processes,” he explained.
Several topics on this year’s IPCSA meeting agenda hold significant importance for TMPA. “We are particularly attuned to discussions surrounding AI-enhanced last-mile logistics for sustainability, as they align with our continuous endeavors to incorporate smart technologies and digital transformation strategies into our operational framework. Additionally, the emphasis on enhancing supply chain resilience in ports is of paramount importance to us, as it plays a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless continuity and efficiency of our logistics operations.
“Furthermore, we eagerly await updates from the IPCSA working group on sustainability initiatives, as they complement our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and perfectly align with our strategic objectives for sustainable development and operational excellence.”
New members of IPCSA – GUCE CI (Ivory Coast) and Sohar Industrial Port Company – will be introduced at the meeting.
About Tanger Med Port Complex:
- Tanger Med is the leading port in the Mediterranean and in Africa, and ranked 19th out of 500 container ports worldwide according to the Alphaliner ranking.
- In 2023, Tanger Med Port handled 8,617,410 TEU, marking a growth of 13.4% compared to 2022. This remarkable achievement, equivalent to 95% of the port’s nominal capacity, was accomplished four years ahead of targets.