Ports around the world are mandatory to operate Maritime Single Windows (MSWs) to exchange information on ships’ arrival, stay, and departure. All ports are to comply with MSWs from 1 January 2024. The change is brought with the adoption of IMO’s Facilitation Committee of amendments to the FAL Convention.
Maritime Single Window 2024 – A window of opportunities”
The new adoption was made during Maritime Single Window 2024 – A window of opportunities” hosted by IMO, IAPH, and BIMCO, with the support of the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA). The event took place in IMO headquarters in London from 18 to 19 January 2023. Industry leaders, professionals, companies, and related organizations attended the symposium.
Speaking at the opening IMO Secretary General, Mr. Kitack Lim, said that making MSWs mandatory from 1 January 2024 was “a significant step towards accelerating digitalization in the maritime trade”, but also “an opportunity for all stakeholders in shipping, and a necessary step forward”.
He further added that taking this step would accelerate the digitalization and decarbonization aspirations of international shipping.
Supporting member states to implement MSW
IMO will also be supporting member states with implementing the MSW. Periklis Saragiotis from the World Bank and Kate Munn, a consultant initially researched the project. They had been together with Fiji on their MSW project. “upstream analysis” was used to assess implementation readiness before making any adaptations or simplifications to systems. This avoids inefficient procedures.
Speaking at the event Mr. Saragiotis said “If we work together and coordinate and try to send a message to the client and government that we’re here to help…that’s a very powerful message.”
SWiFT
IMO is also progressing Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWiFT) Project. Under the project, Singapore is implementing a pilot project to establish a maritime single-window platform developed for medium ports. The project is based on the system implemented successfully in Antigua and Barbuda.
