International Maritime Organization （IMO）’s Facilitation Committee addresses the efficiency of shipping by dealing with all matters related to the facilitation of international maritime traffic, including the arrival, stay and departure of ships, persons and cargo from ports.
The Committee is meeting for its 43rd session （8-12 April）, coinciding with the entry into effect of new requires for all public authorities to introduce electronic exchange of information between ships and ports.
Alongside other agenda items, the Committee is expected to continue its ongoing work on harmonization and standardization of electronic messages and develop Guidelines for setting up a single window system in maritime transport.
The Committee will also receive an update on a successful IMO maritime single window project, which has been implemented in Antigua and Barbuda by Norway. The source code developed for the system established in Antigua and Barbuda will be made available to other interested Member States.
The Facilitation Committee was opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim and is being chaired by Mrs. Marina Angsell （Sweden）.
The Facilitation Committee session sees two side events focusing on trade by ship. A special event on “Women, ports and facilitation”, co-sponsored by IMO and WISTA, will reflect on the 2019 World Maritime Day theme, “Empowering women in the maritime community” （10 April）.
A seminar on making cross border trade simpler （11 April）is co-sponsored by IMO and the International Port Community Systems Association （IPCSA）and covers “Values and benefits of a Port Community System, links to Single Window and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement”.