Facilitation Committee (FAL 49) - Opening remarks

ADDRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL AT THE OPENING OF THE 49TH SESSION OF THE FACILITATION COMMITTEE (FAL 49), 10 to 14 March 2025

Delivered by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez on 10 March, 2025

Good morning distinguished delegates,

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee.

During the session, you are expected to finalize the new version of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, with the inclusion of new data sets. The Compendium is a critical instrument to accelerate digitalization in shipping business and in the ship/port interface, and I would like to thank the contribution of funds made by Germany and the port of Rotterdam, to the IMO Compendium project for 2025, to ensure its sustainability.

You will also consider the proposals to amend the FAL Convention, to introduce mandatory reporting of the Advance Passenger Information (API) and Booking Reservation Information(BRI)/Passenger Name Record (PNR) for maritime transport. In this context you will consider the invitation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to approve IMO membership in the WCO hosted “API and BRI/PNR Contact Committee”.

The issue of key workers will also be on our agenda, particularly regarding the revision of the provisions of key workers during a public health emergency of international concern. 

On digitalization, you will start the work for the Development of a comprehensive strategy on maritime digitalization, an important topic for the work of the Organization. 

You will also discuss a revised version of the guidelines on electronic certificates, with a view to preparing a joint FAL-LEG-MEPC-MSC instrument which will integrate the guidance of the organization on electronic certificates in one single set of guidelines. 

I am confident that your Committee will progress under the leadership of your Chair, Mr. Watchara Chiemanukulkit of Thailand, ably supported by your Vice-Chair, Mr. Mohamed AlKaabi of UAE, as well as the staff of the Maritime Safety Division and other Divisions, you will be able to successfully achieve the objectives set for this session. 

I invite you to participate this afternoon in the event commemorating the 60th anniversary of the FAL Convention.

Thank you.

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