A national seminar in Nuku'alofa, Tonga this week (5-7 November) is focusing on how digitalization can support the efficient transit of ships, cargoes and passengers through the country's ports.
IMO is organizing the seminar in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) at the request of the Government of Tonga, to help implement the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) more effectively. The Convention aims to simplify information requirements and procedures for ships' arrival, stay and departure in ports.
The seminar highlights the latest amendments to the FAL Convention, which entered into force on 1 January 2024, making the use of 'Maritime Single Window' (MSW) systems mandatory in ports around the world.
A maritime single window is a one-stop digital platform through which various agencies can share and exchange information needed to clear the arrival, stay and departure of ships quickly and efficiently. The regulations requiring MSWs in all IMO Member States mark a significant step in accelerating the digitalization of shipping.
Representatives from relevant government ministries in Tonga (Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Forest, Ministry of Revenue & Customs) with responsibilities for the clearance of ships, cargoes and persons, along with private stakeholders, are participating in the seminar.
Fifteen participants will receive advice and guidance on the benefits of using Maritime Single Window and Electronic Data Interchange in facilitating ships' clearance in Tonga's ports.
The event is organized under IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme and hosted by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ports Authority Tonga.
