The International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) has embarked on a Foresight initiative which will consider future scenarios and provide a framework and pathway ahead for Port Community Systems globally.

Foresight exercises are recognised in many industries as vital elements of future planning. IPCSA is taking the lead in its sector, by creating the first Foresight exercise in support of PCS operators and associated port operations.

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The exercise will bring together IPCSA members and external experts at a series of three regional two-day workshops, to be held over the course of a year. Brainstorming sessions will develop ‘this-could-happen’ scenarios, their potential impacts and possible responses from the Port Community Systems sector.

The exercise will enable IPCSA and its members to prepare for alternative futures and associated risks; understand likely emerging markets, industry developments and behavioural changes; and adapt and innovate in products and services for future sustainability and resilience.

The IPCSA Foresight exercise is being headed up by Uwe Liebschner, Customs Consultant and IPCSA’s Customs Lead, working with Inga Morton, IPCSA General Manager, and business psychologist, facilitator and coach Will Sambrook, CEO of Akenham, who will act as moderator at the Foresight workshops.

“The Foresight exercise is about creating/thinking about scenarios and preparing yourself to mitigate the risks,” said Liebschner.

“It is not an exercise in concrete planning for the next five years but rather to bring people together with their collective intelligence to take a helicopter view of what might or could happen in the coming years – for example, geopolitical issues, demographic factors, climate change, lack of resources.

“The aim of IPCSA’s Foresight exercise is to consider the possibilities and establish where we see the issues for the future, bring together IPCSA members from all the regions to be involved and integrated in the discussions, and increase communication and personal connections between members. At the end of the exercise, we will establish guidance and recommendations at a very high level, around mitigation and potential solutions. We can’t prepare for 100% of potential issues but we can have a broad framework in place to be prepared for future challenges.”

The first IPCSA Foresight meeting, to be held in Dubai on November 13th and 14th, will be sponsored by Mumbai-based IPCSA member Kale Logistics Solutions, which is also a member of the IPCSA Foresight Expert Group.

Vineet Malhotra, Co-Founder and Director, said: “Kale shares a unified vision with IPCSA in transforming the global maritime industry through Port Community Systems and cutting-edge digital solutions. Our collaboration with IPCSA, spanning over five years, has allowed us to bring a unique blend of innovation and automation that drives global maritime trade. By supporting the first Foresight event at Dubai, we aim to amplify the industry’s collective voice and fortify its role in advancing global trade harmonisation. This initiative is critical to shaping a future where streamlined, efficient trade becomes the standard across the industry.”

“With the rapid pace of digitalisation and the urgent need for decarbonisation, the Foresight project brings together key stakeholders who are dedicated to these critical causes, including trade harmonisation and simplification.”

Umesh Kurlekar, Global Head Maritime Practice at Kale Logistics Solutions said “In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and the rise of AI, Foresight will not only set a new benchmark for IPCSA members but will also serve as a beacon for other industry stakeholders, showcasing a commitment to meeting both current and future industry needs.”

“IPCSA is undoubtedly setting a precedent with the Foresight exercise in a time of significant transformation across the shipping and logistics industries, IPCSA’s initiative demonstrates leadership and a commitment to driving positive change. By gathering industry experts and stakeholders to collaboratively address the most pressing issues, IPCSA is not only leading the conversation but also shaping the future direction of the global maritime industry.”

The Organisation of American States (OAS) Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) is another member of the Foresight Expert Group.

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Mona Swoboda, CIP Program Manager, said: “The IPCSA Foresight project promises to be a major benefit to our sector, as it will allow us to better understand current and future trends and formulate strategic actions to improve our industry’s performance, adaptation and innovation. For the CIP, this insight presents an added value, and the collaborative efforts of the Foresight project will foster an important inter-regional knowledge exchange.”

The Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) is the only permanent forum that brings together the national port authorities of the 34 member countries of the Organization of American States (OAS) and leaders of the maritime-port industry to promote the development of a secure, competitive, sustainable and inclusive sector, said Swoboda. “As part of the IPCSA Foresight project, the CIP hopes to address some of these challenges and find tangible solutions, but also showcase the unique opportunities the port sector in the Americas has in driving digitalisation across the globe.”

Also on the Foresight Expert Group is Portnet, the National Single Window for Morocco. Youssef Ahouzi, CEO of Portnet, said: “The foresight exercise is crucial for IPCSA and Portnet for several reasons. Firstly, strategic foresight will help Port Community Systems in different regions understand the impact and changes within the industry. It will enable them to anticipate potential shifts and adapt their strategies accordingly. In other words, it provides the opportunity to proactively prepare for future developments, seizing opportunities and mitigating risks.”

“Secondly, it is an excellent initiative for knowledge-sharing among members and within the community. We are fortunate to be part of a community composed of countries from various regions around the world, offering a wealth of different perspectives on future opportunities and challenges.”

The key issues and challenges ahead for IPCSA members include adapting to rapidly evolving technologies, managing the complexities of global supply chains, and ensuring interoperability among different Port Community Systems, said Ahouzi. “By leveraging collective insights and solutions from across the community, Portnet believes we can address these challenges more effectively and enhance the overall efficiency and resilience of port systems worldwide.”

Javier Gallardo, Chairman of IPCSA, highlighted IPCSA’s leadership approach through the Foresight initiative. He said: “While it is not possible to have a definitive prediction of the future, it is possible to brainstorm and consider a number of likely scenarios. Through our Foresight project, IPCSA will enable its members and the wider industry to mobilise effectively and build for the future.”