In May 2022, the Facilitation Committee of International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved changes to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (the FAL Convention) which will make it mandatory for all member states to implement “single windows” for the electronic exchange of data related to vessel calls with effect from 1 January 2024.
The IMO has issued “Guidelines for Setting up a Maritime Single Window” which defines a maritime single window as “a one-stop service environment that covers maritime and port administrative procedures, such as port entry/departure declaration, notice of security reports, and other related information between private sectors and public authorities nationwide”. The purpose of a single window for trade facilitation purposes is to streamline the exchange of data required by each of these stakeholders so that the parties involved in the trade transaction do not have to provide the same data, in duplicate form, to multiple different parties in multiple different formats.
The exchange of data via electronic means has been mandatory under the FAL Convention since 2019. However, research by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) in January 2021 found that only 30% of ports had fully implemented an electronic data exchange system, and even these systems did not allow for electronic submission of all documents required in the FAL Convention. Therefore, it appears that there is significant work to do for all ports to implement fully compliant electronic maritime single windows by 1 January 2024.
Kale Logistics Solutions’ Maritime Single Window (MSW) is designed and built as per the guidelines of IMO. A highly scalable system enables public and private authorities to combine or coordinate the electronic transmission of the data to ensure that information is submitted or provided only once and reused to the maximum extent possible. The platform connects Shipping Line/Agents, Ports, Customs, Immigration, Port Health Authorities, Coast Guards/VTS, Maritime Authorities, and other Regulatory Authorities in a single window to exchange seamless information. The platform calls for standards, recommended, practices and rules for simplifying formalities, documentary requirements and procedures between all actors involved in sea-side operations.
The platform makes it clear the role of government agencies involved in the single window that their data sharing obligations coupled with highly secured network which promotes private stakeholders to share commercially sensitive data. The platform further strengthens the authenticity and integrity of the data submitted by various users by authorized access, maintaining confidentiality by hosting on Microsoft Azure servers. The Single Window is designed to bring in harmonization and standardization of data with EDI messages, global formats, and API integrations.
MSW is applicable to Vessels under Cruise, Containerised, Bulk, Break-bulk, Liquid etc.
Berth Management
Online provision for Shipping Line/Agents
to obtain the berth allocation from port,
prior to Vessel Berthing.
Vessel Clearance
Obtaining vessel clearance from multiple
agencies such as Ports (No Dues), Customs (Port Clearance),
PHO, and other regulatory agencies.
Track & Trace
End-to-end tracking of vessel
operations on various milestones like
– Arrival at Anchorage, Navigation Chanel
movement, Berthing, Shifting, Sailing, Etc.
Vessel Declaration
Provisions for Shipping Line Agent to capture
vessel particulars, submit declaration to
Port / Terminal, and obtain the Vessel Calling No.
Notice of Arrival
Provision to submit e-Notice of Arrival (Vessel)
to multiple stakeholders like – Ports, Customs,
Immigration, PHO, and Regulatory agencies.
FAL
Digitally submission of IMO
complied FAL forms and certificates
to Ports, Customs, Immigration, PHO, and
Regulatory agencies to obtain e-approvals.
Berth Management
Online provision for Shipping Line/Agents to obtain the berth allocation from port, prior to Vessel Berthing.
Vessel Clearance
Obtaining vessel clearance from multiple agencies such as Ports (No Dues), Customs (Port Clearance), PHO, and other regulatory agencies.
Track & Trace
End-to-end tracking of vessel operations on various milestones like – Arrival at Anchorage, Navigation Chanel movement, Berthing, Shifting, Sailing, Etc.
Vessel Declaration
Provisions for Shipping Line Agent to capture vessel particulars, submit declaration to Port / Terminal, and obtain the Vessel Calling No.
Notice of Arrival
Provision to submit e-Notice of Arrival (Vessel) to multiple stakeholders like – Ports, Customs, Immigration, PHO, and Regulatory agencies.
FAL
Digitally submission of IMO complied FAL forms and certificates to Ports, Customs, Immigration, PHO, and Regulatory agencies to obtain e-approvals.
