The final push towards Maritime Single Windows
A joint project to install a Maritime Single Window project has been completed at Angola Port, just in time too as the IMO deadline to install the systems draws near.
The Single Window for Facilitation of Trade (SWiFT) project at Port of Lobito was completed by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the IMO as part of the SWiFT project, established by the partners back in March 2021 to support medium-size ports in meeting IMO’s mandatory obligations for MSW under the FAL Convention.
“The MSW platform developed under the SWiFT project draws from Singapore’s experience in the implementation of our national MSW, digitalPORT@SGTM,” said Gavin Yeo, deputy director (sectoral systems development), MPA.
”MPA is pleased to have partnered IMO and the Port of Lobito on this digital transformation journey, which has the potential to enhance the efficiencies for international shipping, port operations and global supply chains.”
Digital collaboration
The new MSW digital system allows the electronic submission, through a single online portal, of all information required by various agencies to ensure efficient clearance of ships during port calls there.
Under the SWiFT project, IMO and MPA worked closely with relevant Angolan stakeholders, including the Port of Lobito and Agência Marítima Nacional, to develop a functional generic MSW platform configured to the needs of the Port of Lobito.
The SWiFT project was supported by Singapore via in-kind contributions and by IMO via the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) which assists countries in building up their capacities to enable effective compliance with the Organization’s regulatory framework.
The initiative builds upon an earlier successful project coordinated by IMO that saw successful delivery in 2019 of a Maritime Single Window system in Antigua and Barbuda.
Read more here on how the shipping and ports sectors can realise opportunities that the operation of an MSW platform can bring, and potential approaches to designing and implementing one.
From 1 January 2024, it will be mandatory for ports around the world to operate Maritime Single Windows for the exchange of information required at the point of a ship’s arrival, during its stay and at departure. The change is in line with international shipping’s aspirations to accelerate digitalisation and decarbonisation of the sector.
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