SMDG e.V.

User Group for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) in the Maritime Container Business.

SMDG e.V. is a registered non-profit association, run by and on behalf of companies and organizations working in the maritime industry, like container terminals, ocean carriers and related companies and organizations.

The name SMDG  originates from the late 1980-ies when a group of IT experts got together for the design of the EDIFACT message BAPLIE. The group named itself “Ship Message Design Group”, abbreviated  SMDG.  In 1990-ies already the scope of this group widened to definition of more EDIFACT messages for the maritime business, but due to the fact that SMDG had been established as a brand in the maritime community it was decided to continue under this name. After more than 30 years of working in standardization of EDI SMDG has been recognized as official UN/CEFACT User Group for the maritime business.

Since its inception in 1987 SMDG arranged for a multitude of international meetings and workshops all over the world. Topics include, but are not limited to standard messages. Review of business procedures and new technologies are subject of discussion. We take care that discussions remain strictly technical and pre-competitive, avoiding to become in conflict with anti-trust regulations.