The MSL, or the Declaration of Minimum Service Levels on Maritime Transport,
is a manifesto outlining the minimal level of service and fair treatment that shippers and supply chain stakeholders can expect from ocean carriers or the VOCC, Vessel Operating Common Carriers. Serving as a vital benchmark to assess delivered services, it acts as the foundation for a 'Bill of Cargo Rights'—initiated by the Global Shippers Alliance (GSA) and Asian Shippers' Alliance (ASA)—to be promoted as a standard for best practice and a template for legal settlement.