Pacific island countries have shared their state of readiness regarding the mandatory operation of the IMO Maritime Single Window (MSW) from January 2024 onwards. At the 45th annual general meeting of the Pacific Maritime Transport Alliance Conference (PMTA), hosted by Solomon Ports Authority CEO and IAPH vice-president for Southeast Asia and Oceania Eranda Kotelawela, representatives of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tonga updated participants on their preparations to implement the MSW. In a panel discussion, Julian Abril, head of facilitation at IMO, explained the obligations and opportunities of implementing MSW in ports around the world. The discussion was moderated by IAPH secretary-general Masahiko Furuichi. Pascal Olivier, chairman of the IAPH Data Collaboration Committee, explained the recommended process for countries to implement an MSW, including the establishment of a proper legal framework, a thorough analysis of business processes and the implementation of technical solutions. He also presented the work of IMO and World Bank in Fiji and the key lessons to be learned when implementing a Maritime Single Window. The conference programme furthermore covered broader sustainability topics and included a presentation by Masahiko Furuichi on the IAPH ESI programme which you can download here.
Masahiko Furuichi and Eranda Kotelawela
