By Karen Robes Meeks
The Port of Los Angeles is the first US member of the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA). The organization was originally founded in 2011 as the European Port Community Systems Association before expanding in 2014 as an international association. Richard Morton, secretary general of IPCSA, said the organization is delighted to welcome Los Angeles.
“This is another exciting expansion of the membership and geographical reach of IPCSA, which started out as a European organization only seven years ago,” he said. “We look forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge with the Port of Los Angeles, which has pioneered the Port Optimizer over the past two years. IPCSA provides a platform for members from around the world to share and exchange experience and best practice in the smooth flow of information, to enhance cargo flow and trade facilitation.”
The association’s consultative status at the International Maritime Organization and the key role it plays in international standards meetings, including the World Customs Organization, ISO, UN/CEFACT and IATA, are important to the port, said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “Our purpose in joining this elite global association is to enhance our efforts for a common understanding of how Port Community Systems operate and what they can deliver today and in the future,” he said. “IPCSA provides that platform.”
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
