A national seminar held in Port Vila, Vanuatu (18–20 August) has identified practical next steps for establishing a Maritime Single Window (MSW) to ease the flow of maritime traffic.
A Maritime Single Window is a centralized digital platform for exchanging information between ships and public authorities when ships call at ports. Using a single entry point can make clearance procedures faster and more transparent, improving the efficiency of international maritime transport. IMO Member States have been required to use MSWs in ports since 2024.
Priorities for implementation
The seminar identified several priorities to support Vanuatu in establishing an MSW. Recommendations included:
- designating a lead agency;
- establishing an effective coordination mechanism;
- involving the private sector;
- clearly defining the scope of the MSW; and aligning implementation with other national and development-partner initiatives.
Participants emphasized that successful implementation will depend on more than technology. It requires clear leadership, effective coordination between agencies, supportive legal and regulatory arrangements, streamlined procedures, adequate capacity and continued engagement between government and the maritime industry.
Improving processes
The seminar brought together government agencies and private-sector stakeholders to examine the IMO Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), related international standards and the practical steps for implementing an MSW.
Participants mapped existing cargo and ship-clearance processes and explored how to improve them through greater coordination, digitalization and reducing duplicate information. Discussions focused on ensuring any future system responds to Vanuatu’s operational and institutional needs.
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) contributed to the seminar with an overview of its related work in Vanuatu.
The activity was delivered through IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme in close collaboration with the Government of Vanuatu and the Vanuatu Maritime Safety Authority.
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