Recently, an initiative jointly launched by the International Maritime Organization and Singapore aims to establish a single-window customs clearance system for maritime transportation in a pilot port, with the expectation of providing support to more ports in the future. The International Maritime Organization has now called on countries with medium-sized ports to participate in the pilot program. 

"The Single Window Simplification of Trade Facilitation Project (SWiFT)" will develop a system in the pilot port to enable a ship to submit all the information required by various government agencies electronically through a single portal when it docks at the port. This concept is known as the Maritime Transport Single Window (MSW) system. 

According to the IMO's FAL convention, electronic data exchange is required to ensure the smooth customs clearance of ships. It is recommended to adopt the single-window concept to avoid redundant work. This move comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the value of digitization, and the electronic exchange of required data is now faster, more reliable, more efficient, and more secure against the COVID-19 virus. 

Under this pilot project, recommendations on the necessary legal, policy and institutional requirements for the MSW system will be provided to the selected countries. Then, functional MSW software, hardware and/or IT services will be provided to the ports, and they will be configured and trained according to the needs of each country. 

This pilot project will be supported by Singapore through in-kind donations, and will also receive support from the International Maritime Organization through the Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). 

Digitalization enhances efficiency and benefits ships, ports and the broader supply chain. We aim to support the implementation of the FAL convention's requirements for electronic data exchange in various countries by supporting a pilot project. This pilot project will demonstrate the methods and results, which can then be shared with others. IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said. 

After the initial pilot phase, and subject to the availability of funds, the aim is to replicate the pilot project in other IMO member states that require similar technical assistance. 

After the implementation in the pilot ports, the IMO-Singapore project will strive to drive the digitalization process of various countries and unlock the full potential of their maritime sectors. Only when the majority (if not all) of the ports undergo digital transformation can the maritime industry realize all the benefits of digitalization. With the support of the IMO partnership and project department, we envision conducting more discussions with external partners and making efforts to mobilize resources to support the ambitious expansion plan of this pilot initiative. Mr. Julian Abril, the head of the International Maritime Organization's facilitation department, said. 

The IMO-Singapore SWiFT project is built upon an earlier successful project that provided a single-window system for maritime transportation in Antigua and Barbuda. This project, supported by Norway, was based on their experience in electronic facilitation of maritime trade and was implemented in 2018-2019. 

Singapore will draw on its experience to meet the technical requirements of medium-sized ports as well as those that wish to incorporate port-to-port communication protocols into this system. The country launched its maritime transportation single-window system "digitalPORT＠SG" in 2019. 

Close cooperation among maritime stakeholders is crucial for ensuring an inclusive transition of the global maritime industry towards a more efficient digital future. After successfully implementing our national MSW-digitalPORT＠SG™, Singapore is ready to do its part and we look forward to forming meaningful digital journeys with IMO member states. Mr. Tan Suan Jow, the president of MPA Singapore Academy, added. 

The International Maritime Organization has invited member states with identified medium-sized ports to submit their意向 letters by April 30， 2021， in order to participate in the SWiFT project. The specific activities of the pilot project are expected to commence on June 15， 2021. 

The work related to the implementation of the maritime transportation single window will support the achievement of Goal 9 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to establish resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.