Special event to mark the 60th Anniversary of the FAL Convention

The Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) is designed to streamline and harmonize maritime traffic procedures, ensuring the efficient transit of ships, cargo, passengers, and crew through ports. It was adopted on 9 April 1965.

Due to the relevance of this Convention and in recognition of its important role in maritime transport, IMO organized a celebration of the 60th anniversary of its adoption on 10 March 2025 at IMO Headquarters, London.

Please see a recording of the event here.

Please find the photos of the event here.

Programme

Please find the programme of the special event below:

Time - Session

16.30 - Opening remarks by the IMO Secretary-General

16.35 - Video commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the FAL Convention

16.40 - Panel discussion:

Speakers will address the impact of the FAL Convention in maritime transport and on the future of facilitation of maritime traffic.

Moderator: Ms. Pressiana Naydenova, Strategic Marketing & Communications Manager

Panellists:

Mr. Jens Meier, President of IAPH, CEO of Hamburg Port Authority
Mr. Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice-President, World Shipping Council
Ms. Scarlett Barnett-Smith, Deck Officer

Additional Information

Please find more details in the Circular Letter No.4964/Add.1.

FAL Convention

The main objectives of the FAL Convention are to prevent unnecessary delays in maritime traffic, to aid co-operation between Governments, and to secure the highest practicable degree of uniformity in formalities and other procedures. In particular, the Convention reduces the number of declarations which can be required by public authorities.

The FAL Convention consists of 16 articles and one annex. The articles contain, inter alia, general provisions, the scope of the convention, and the notification and entry into force requirements. In its Annex, the FAL Convention contains standards and recommended practices and rules for simplifying formalities, information requirements and procedures on ships' arrival, stay and departure.