Abstract

The present paper analyses the status and current issues of port information exchange systems in the European Union and the Bulgarian Black Sea ports. Port Community Systems (PCS), being a complement to the Maritime Single Windows (MSW), are based on specific EU legislation thus achieving realization of documentary data exchange in maritime transportation through a single interface with various levels of access. The main objective of this paper is to outline the feasibility, the benefits of PCS development and integration within the European Union as well as the role of the developed MSW system of Bulgarian Black Sea ports for the PCS integration environment. The PCS integration process aims at decreasing of administrative burden, reduction of documentary errors, introduction of standardized electronic data interchange and reduction of service time for port users.