Four major container shipping companies - MSC, AP Moller-Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd, and Ocean Network Express- have received regulatory agency approval and formed the Digital Container Shipping Association (DCSA) with the aim of streamlining shipping throughout the world.

The DCSA will create common information technology standards to make the industry more efficient for both customers and shipping lines.

Areas of focus will include standardisation, digitalisation, and interoperability in container shipping

"For the first time in twenty years, the container shipping industry has come together with a common goal to move the industry into the digital era," said Andre Simha, Chief Information Officer of MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company and Chairman of the Supervisory Board.  "With the regulatory approval in place, we look forward for the association to take up work and to begin to collaborate with multiple stakeholders from the entire value chain."

The DCSA is expanding its mission and is trying to recruit more members out of the ranks of international container shipping lines around the globe; they're already preparing to welcome two new members.