IMO and the World Bank Group have joined forces to assist countries in the Pacific region to design pilot projects to encourage adoption of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system to digitalize clearance processes in their ports.
More than 40 participants* from Fijian authorities and other relevant stakeholders joined the World Bank Group and IMO to take part in an induction webinar (2-3 November) on the MSW initiative for the Pacific region. The webinar follows the successful implementation and adoption of an IMO generic Maritime Single Window (MSW) system in Antigua and Barbuda developed with the support of Norway.
A maritime single window concept enables all information required by public authorities in connection with the arrival, stay and departure of ships, people and cargo, to be submitted electronically via a single portal, without duplication. In addition to requiring governments to introduce electronic information exchange since 8 April 2019, a maritime single window concept is also recommended by IMO's Facilitation Convention, the treaty which aims to reduce administrative burdens and make shipping and trade by sea more efficient.
* participants from the senior management of Fiji's Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport (MCTTT), Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF), Fiji Ports Corporation, Fiji Ports Terminal, ship agencies as well as Port Community (SPC).