A national seminar in Funafuti, Tuvalu this week (11-13 November) is focusing on how to support smooth, efficient shipping in the country, through maritime digitalization. 

IMO is organizing the seminar in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) at the request of the Government of Tuvalu. The event supports the country’s accession to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL) – a key IMO instrument that aims to simplify information requirements and procedures for ships' arrival, stay and departure in ports.  

The seminar highlights the latest amendments to the FAL Convention, which entered into force on 1 January 2024, making the use of ‘Maritime Single Window’ (MSW) systems mandatory in ports around the world.

A maritime single window is a one-stop digital platform through which various agencies can share and exchange information needed to clear the arrival, stay and departure of ships quickly and efficiently. The regulations requiring MSWs in all IMO Member States mark a significant step in accelerating the digitalization of shipping.  

Representatives from relevant government ministries in Tuvalu (Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation, Tuvalu Revenue and Customs Department, Ministry of Natural Resources Development and Immigration Department) with responsibilities for the clearance of ships, cargoes and persons, along with private stakeholders, are participating in the seminar.   

Twenty participants are receiving advice and guidance on the benefits of using Maritime Single Window and Electronic Data Interchange in facilitating ships’ clearance in Tuvalu’s ports. For small island developing states such as Tuvalu, which rely heavily maritime transport, digitalization can play an important role in maritime trade facilitation. 

The event is organized under IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme and hosted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Transport, Energy, Communication and Innovation of Tuvalu.