On July 8, the Bureau International des Containers (BIC) and the Ship Message Design Group (SMDG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Palais des Nations, United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, formalizing their collaboration on a new Global Container Geofence Library. This initiative aims to enhance the accuracy and reliability of geofencing data in the shipping and logistics industry.
Significance of the MoU
The MoU, signed during the UN/CEFACT forum which also saw the announcement of a new UN white paper on Geofencing, represents a milestone in the partnership between BIC and SMDG. It builds on its successful 2022 launch of the Global Container Facility Code API and underscores its commitment to improving global shipping standards. Douglas Owen, Secretary General of BIC, highlighted that this collaboration aims to standardize geofencing data and promote the adoption of IoT-equipped containers, ensuring reliable and consistent data for all supply chain stakeholders. Michael Schroeder, SMDG board member, expressed excitement about the deepened partnership and the potential of the Global Container Geofence Library to enhance supply chain efficiency.
UN/CEFACT White Paper
The release of the UN/CEFACT white paper titled “Geofencing Facilities in Transport and Logistics” coincided with the MoU signing. Over 30 experts from ocean carriers, IoT providers, and supply chain specialists contributed to the paper, which offers recommendations and methodologies for consistent geofence creation and review for terminals and container handling facilities. The geofences are published in the Global Container Geofence Library and linked to the standardized global facility codes maintained by BIC and SMDG, supporting the adoption and standardization of smart container technologies and addressing challenges in geofence implementation.
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Source: Container News
