Ships and ports will need to be able to exchange arrival and departure data electronically from April 2019, under IMO's Facilitation Convention. There requirements also encourage the use of a single window in which all the many agencies and authorities shall exchange data via a single point of contact.
To be ready to meet those requirements, IMO is conducting training workshops. The latest was a needs assessment workshop in Douala, Cameroon, (10-12 December 2018) to assist Cameroon to implement a maritime single window.
The two-day workshop saw participants discuss the Single Window for Foreign Trade Transactions (GUCE) and what necessary equipment for the implementation of procedures to electronically exchange forms documents and certificates would be required for vessels.
The event also looked at how to prepare reports to analyse the needs, and the cost and timeline for implementing the project.
This project will also help to determine the potential role of maritime transport facilitation in poverty reduction, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals and as mentioned by an IMO study.