MSC Joins White House FLOW Initiative to Improve Supply Chain Data-Sharing

MSC Mia, built in 2019, a 23,756 TEU containership at Port of Long Beach. Photo courtesy of MSC.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (“MCS”) has joined the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (“FLOW”) data-sharing initiative, launched at the White House on March 15, 2022. This major project will help to clear supply chain bottlenecks by improving freight information exchange between key stakeholders – leading to faster delivery time and reduced costs for consumers.

FLOW includes 18 initial participants, with the aim of welcoming more in future. Representing diverse perspectives across the supply chain, partners include U.S.-based port authorities, terminal operators, private businesses, logistics and warehousing companies, as well as the ocean carriers MSC and CMA CGM.

The FLOW partners will work together with the US Administration to develop a more efficient and transparent way of sharing information. The idea is to create a new digital tool, where each company can share accurate, cargo-related data in real time.

“We are pleased to join and support the FLOW initiative led by the U.S. Department of Transportation as we strongly believe that a common and interoperable digital infrastructure throughout the container shipping industry is a critical step to make supply chains more efficient, secure and resilient. Collaborating with governments and other key industry stakeholders is of paramount importance to MSC and there is no doubt that this initiative will strengthen the foundation for the seamless, end-to-end exchange of information we all need to keep global trade moving today – and tomorrow,” said André Simha, chief digital and information officer at MSC.

MSC is committed to building strong, cross-industry partnerships that pave the way towards a better future for shipping, taking advantage of digitalization opportunities. Examples of the company’s recent collaborations include the Future International Trade alliance, TradeLens, Smart Maritime Network and the Digital Container Shipping Association, of which MSC’s André Simha is Chairman.