On 26 November, the Terminal Industry Committee 4.0 (TIC4.0) released the outcomes of its Autumn General Assembly, held earlier in Dubai and followed online by members worldwide. The meeting highlighted significant progress in digital standardisation, including the forthcoming publication of the BSI PAS:4000 “Cargo Handling Facilities: Digitalisation of Logistic Operations”, expected in February 2026. Based on the TIC4.0 ontology, PAS:4000 is anticipated to become a key reference for harmonised digital processes across terminals.
A central issue raised by members concerned the newly created ISO TC8/SC27 sub-committee on Ports and Terminals Standardisation. Although the sub-committee adopted its initial scope during its October plenary in Shanghai, the text does not reference existing industry standards, including those already developed within TIC4.0. According to TIC4.0, this omission risks creating unnecessary overlaps or inconsistencies with the substantial body of work already embraced by the global terminal community.
As the SC27 scope now enters an internal voting phase among P-Members, TIC4.0 announced it will recommend voting against the current definition until explicit alignment with existing standards is included. Ensuring continuity is seen as essential for the development of future ISO standards that are interoperable, non-redundant and reflective of operational realities.
FEPORT, together with PEMA and ICHCA, is working closely with TIC4.0 to ensure that prior achievements in terminal digitalisation and automation are recognised at international level. For operators, the objective is clear: global standardisation should support, not complicate, the transition toward more efficient, data-driven and interoperable port operations.
The Assembly also confirmed appointments of TIC4.0’s first Ambassadors — Matthieu Desiderio (1407), Alex Van Winckel (INFORM), Que Tran (DP World) and Marco Fehmer (DSP) — and shared updates on ongoing workstreams, including automation frameworks and terminal digital-maturity assessments.
