As the maritime industry evolves, so do the complexities and demands of managing disbursement accounts (DAs). In this dynamic environment, OneCape DA has been developed to provide a fresh approach that manages these complexities and enhances operational efficiency, financial transparency, and compliance through a deep-rooted understanding of the industry and its machinations. My name is Imran Vohra, and as OneCape DA’s VP of Hub Operations and DA Management, I am pleased to share how our specialised solution addresses the unique needs of our clients and the wider industry.
While Inchcape Shipping Services is known globally for its comprehensive port agency services, we identified a need in the market for a dedicated and fully independent DA management solution. Traditional disbursement account processes are often riddled with inefficiencies, high costs, and risks, making them a significant pain point for maritime operators. Equally, new digital-first challengers have been criticised for not fully understanding the market nor offering the breadth of service and support to help clients when they need it most – when things don’t go to plan.
Managing DAs is a critical yet complex task, as our customers are only too aware. It involves handling numerous financial transactions, complying with varying international regulations, and maintaining the highest levels of transparency across all operations. This complexity is compounded by the need for precise financial management and the ability to respond swiftly to operational challenges. At OneCape DA, we’ve been dealing with the challenges for decades and have designed our services to meet them head-on. Our approach is built on three core principles: innovation, expertise, and partnership.
Innovation at the Core
Technology plays a critical role in delivering OneCape DA. We leverage relevant digital solutions to streamline our DA management, but we’re not obsessed with buzzwords and the latest trends. We validate the value any new technology will bring to our customers so you know that our solutions will be robust, secure, and effective. Interoperability is key. Our platform integrates seamlessly with existing customer systems, providing real-time insights and enhancing data accuracy. This digital-first approach not only reduces manual processes but also, with the support of our expert team, we can mitigate the risks associated with alternative providers who rely solely on technology to provide all the answers. In most cases, they do not have their own network of local port agents, which adds an additional layer of expertise, enhancing the value customers receive.
Our platform’s robust capabilities include automated data capture, real-time transaction processing, and comprehensive compliance checks. These features ensure that all financial transactions are accurate, timely, and compliant with international regulations. By harnessing the power of people and technology, we believe we can empower our clients to make informed decisions and manage their finances more effectively.
Expertise You Can Trust
Expanding on the strength of our people, OneCape DA’s customers will benefit from our teams’ deep industry knowledge and global reach. With a presence in over 60 countries and operations in 85% of the world’s ports, OneCape DA and the wider Inchcape team bring unparalleled local expertise to every port call. Our extensive experience in maritime operations allows us to anticipate and address potential challenges in ways that others simply cannot, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Our rigorous audit process is at the heart of OneCape DA’s proposition. We conduct comprehensive audits of PDAs (Proforma Disbursement Accounts) and FDAs (Final Disbursement Accounts) to ensure that our clients only pay what is necessary. This meticulous process is only possible if you fully understand the market and know what to look out for. It not only safeguards against overcharges but also provides clients with peace of mind, knowing that an unbiased and knowledgeable team protects their financial interests every step of the way.
Partnership and Collaboration
It may sound somewhat bombastic, but at OneCape DA, we view ourselves as more than just a service provider; we want to be a strategic partner dedicated to our client’s success. We work closely with our customers to understand their unique needs and tailor our solutions accordingly. This collaborative and flexible approach ensures that our services are effective and aligned with our client’s business goals.
Our commitment to partnership also extends beyond DA management. We offer comprehensive support, including cost optimisation strategies, and regulatory compliance. By taking on the complexities of DA management, we enable our clients to focus on what matters most – their core business activities.
Benefits of OneCape DA
We believe the benefits of OneCape DA are clear and compelling. Our clients experience significant cost savings through optimised processes, preferential FX rates, and reduced administrative overheads. Our advanced analytics also provide actionable insights that drive operational efficiency and enhance financial performance.
OneCape DA is not just about managing numbers. It’s about offering a transparent, integrated approach that extends beyond mere digital solutions. Our service is enriched by Inchcape’s global presence, with expert teams stationed around the world providing insights that are both locally relevant and internationally aware. Whether handling unexpected changes during port calls or navigating through regulatory landscapes, our teams are equipped to manage these challenges proactively and efficiently.
OneCape DA’s value proposition extends to delivering tangible benefits across various operational aspects. A business not currently using a DA management service can save between $400 and $600 on a regular port call. This is achieved through greater efficiencies in admin removal, correcting overcharges, decreased transaction fees, FX optimisation, and port service discounts. The savings are even more significant for uncommon port calls, with average savings between $900 and $1200. These savings can significantly impact the bottom line, making a noticeable difference in annual financial performance.
Focusing on cost control, digital systems, enhanced financial transparency, audit, and compliance, OneCape DA addresses the specific needs of all parties involved in handling disbursement accounts. For instance, we can optimise and improve financial operations by enhancing working capital, reducing unnecessary processes and expenses, securing vendor discounts, and mitigating unforeseen or uncommon risks, thereby empowering our clients to drive success and enhance their bottom line across every port call.
In an industry where compliance is paramount, OneCape DA stands out with its robust compliance framework. We stay ahead of regulatory changes and ensure that all operations adhere to the latest international and local regulations. This proactive approach minimises risk and enhances trust among our clients.
Furthermore, our global expertise and local knowledge allow us to provide unparalleled support. Whether navigating the complexities of a particular port or managing financial transactions across multiple regions, our team is equipped to handle it all.
Closing Thoughts
The maritime industry is evolving, and so are the demands of managing disbursement accounts. OneCape DA is at the forefront of this evolution, designed from scratch to offer innovative, expert-driven solutions that simplify DA management and enhance operational efficiency.
By choosing OneCape DA, we believe our clients gain a trusted partner and a strategic ally dedicated to their success. Our comprehensive services, combined with our deep industry knowledge and global reach, make us the ideal choice for maritime operators looking to optimise their financial operations.
If you would like to speak to one of our OneCape DA team members to learn how we can improve your disbursement accounts, contact imran.vohra@iss-shipping.com or enquiries@iss-shipping.com.