IMO STRATEGY FOR MARITIME DIGITALIZATION

IMO STRATEGY FOR THE DIGITALIZATION OF MARITIME TRANSPORT
At its 50th session in London (23-27 March), the Committee endorsed the IMO Strategy for the Digitalization of Maritime Transport, aimed at transforming global maritime operations. It emphasizes interoperability, system standardization, data exchange and effective data management across organizations and jurisdictions.
The Strategy defines maritime digitalization as an overarching IMO policy to be integrated into the Organization’s Strategic Plan and applied to all IMO bodies and processes. This includes engagement with maritime administrations, the shipping industry and seafarers.
The aim is to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burdens by facilitating the exchange, verification and renewal of seafarer qualification data, passenger identification and ship certificates. The Strategy also uses data to enhance maritime safety and improve the environmental performance of ships, contributing to the development of human-centric systems that are resilient to disruptions, cyber threats and environmental challenges.
Once approved by the FAL Committee, the Strategy will be forwarded to the IMO Legal, Marine Environment and Maritime Committees for further consideration before being submitted for adoption at the 35th session of the IMO Assembly in 2027.
Cybersecurity for maritime single windows
As digitalization increases, so do cyber threats that can cause operational, security or safety disruptions. To address this challenge, the FAL Committee has approved amendments to the Annex to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Navigation, 1965 (FAL Convention). These amendments require Contracting Governments to implement mandatory cybersecurity measures to protect maritime single windows in accordance with national legislation.
Maritime Single Windows (MSWs) are universal digital platforms created by maritime authorities to facilitate the exchange of information between ships and government agencies. These changes aim to protect these systems, which are key to streamlining port arrivals, stays and departures, from cyber risks.
The amendments will be submitted for adoption at the next session of the Committee (FAL 51) in 2027, with an expected entry into force on 1 January 2029.
Implementation of API and BRI in maritime transport
The FAL Committee has approved amendments to the Annex to the FAL Convention that will allow Contracting Governments to implement Advance Passenger and Crew Information (API) and Booking and Reservation Information (BRI) in the maritime sector. These measures represent a significant step forward in strengthening the management of passenger and crew information, improving both border control processes and operational efficiency.
The amendments will be submitted for adoption at FAL 51 in 2027, with an expected entry into force on 1 January 2029.
Other key decisions
A new version of the IMO Facilitation and e-Business Compendium, including new datasets, was approved for adoption at FAL 51;
Amendments to the Annex to the FAL Convention relating to vaccination and medical care of crews during international health emergencies were adopted. These amendments recommend that governments take into account IMO recommendations on vaccination of crews as part of national programmes and ensure access to medical care during health emergencies of international concern, and will enter into force on 1 January 2028;
New Guidelines on preventing access by stowaways and on the allocation of responsibilities for the successful resolution of stowaway cases were adopted.