CSIS promotes benefits of container shipping

The Container Shipping Information Service (CSIS) organisation was just launched in January this year, with the aim of educating people across all industries about the shipping industry and the humble ※box§ (container).





Most people don＊t give the world of container shipping a second thought. Yet, without it, many aspects of modern life wouldn＊t exist in the way we know it. Container shipping is responsible for making everyday products available and affordable, from food and clothing to appliances and vehicles.



The CSIS was formed by 24 of the world＊s leading container shipping companies to provide information to the public, businesses and the media about the container shipping industry.



The organisation also plans to openly address some common areas of general concern and talk about its role in addressing them 每 in particular: the environment, globalisation and security.



A first step was the creation of a public website - www.shipsandboxes.com - that would be accessible to anyone in the world.



The website is a one-stop-shop of information about the industry, providing CSIS views, facts and figures to businesses, consumers, journalists or any other interested parties. It features useful information such as a ＆Did You Know?＊ section and a ＆Jargon Buster＊, as well as covering topical issues.



eyefortransport asked the CSIS how it all started ＃



Q: Why was the CSIS established?



A: The CSIS was launched in January 2008 to act as a communications channel for the global container shipping industry. It was been formed by the 24 leading container shipping companies, with the aim of improving the industry＊s public image by telling its story to the wider world.



As well as highlighting the significance and benefits of the industry and how container shipping affects daily life, the CSIS website also addresses broader areas of interest, such as the industry＊s impact on the environment, its role in globalisation, its innovative history and future and what it is doing in the area of security.



Without the world of container shipping, many aspects of modern life would not exist in the way they do. As a result of what it does, consumers can enjoy a huge range of products from around the world and at prices that would scarcely have been conceivable in earlier times.



Yet the industry is rarely given a second thought, partly because the industry itself has historically focused on continually informing customers and partners about the range of services on offer and new developments, without informing consumers about the economic significance of container shipping.



The aim of the CSIS, therefore, is to encourage an understanding and appreciation of the industry in the wider world, while showing the benefits that it brings to everyday lives.



Q: Whose idea was it?



A: The decision to launch CSIS is a first for the container shipping industry, and the idea was a joint initiative by the container shipping companies that belong to CSIS.



Within the industry, the growth of the container industry and the impact it has had on world trade are well known, but few outside the sector are aware of the growth and importance of container shipping. And very few consumers are really aware of the sophisticated and complex management and co-ordination of global logistics required to enable them to buy even basic goods, such as rice or sports shoes.



The industry responded to this lack of awareness with the launch of CSIS, to educate a wide audience about the significance of the container and what it would mean if there was no container shipping to transport crucial commodities around the world.



Q: Did the founders meet with any resistance, or has the CSIS received industry support from the very start?



A: The initiative has been very well received, both within the industry and beyond. The container shipping industry recognises the challenges it is facing in terms of consumers＊ lack of understanding of just how vital the industry is.



Q: Are there plans to involve any government agencies or authorities, either as members or as website content contributors?



A: There are no plans to increase the membership of CSIS at this time. It will work in tandem with established and successful organisations such as the World Shipping Council (WSC), European Liner Affairs Association (ELAA), the International Chamber of Shipping and other national shipping associations, to provide a few examples. The CSIS is currently engaged with all the major trade bodies and aims to complement their existing and specific activity.



CSIS member lines:



Atlantic Container Line

China Shipping Group

CMA-CGM

COSCO

Crowley Maritime

CSAV

Evergreen Marine

Hamburg S邦d

Hanjin Shipping

Hapag-Lloyd AG

Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM)

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K-Line)

Maersk Line

Malaysia International Shipping Corp (MISC)

Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC)

Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL)

Neptune Orient Lines / APL

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK)

Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL)

Pacific International Lines (PIL)

United Arab Shipping (SAG)

Wan Hai Lines

Yang Ming Marine Transport

Zim Integrated Shipping Service

Author: Sharon Gill / News Editor / eyefortransport