International shipping strives for automated global maritime sector

IMO Strategy to harness emerging technologies

Hailing the development of their digitalisation strategy as a game changer for smart shipping, the International Maritime Organisation’s Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has emphasised the transformative potential of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and autonomous navigation, while recognizing related challenges, including cybersecurity risks and the global digital divide. 

“The IMO Maritime Digitalization Strategy is a game-changing effort to make smooth, seamless, smart shipping a reality. It will help integrate vessels and ports, improve logistics and optimize routes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must work together to ensure the strategy serves all,” he told the IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) at its 49^th session last week.

The session in London from 10 to 14 March outlined a work plan for developing the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalisation, which is set to be adopted by the IMO Assembly by the end of 2027.  

Special group established

To guide this process, the Facilitation Committee established a Correspondence Group to define the strategy’s scope, key objectives and implementation framework. The Group will work over the coming year to identify existing and emerging technologies, standards and methodologies that can support maritime digitalization, while ensuring alignment across IMO’s various committees.  

The Facilitation Committee invited the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to encourage Member States and international organisations to join the Correspondence Group, to ensure the early involvement of all stakeholders in shaping the strategy. 

The Correspondence Group will table a report to the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in 2026, before a final submission is made to the Assembly session scheduled for the end of 2027. 

Advancing digitalisation initiatives 

The strategy builds on previous milestones, including the introduction of mandatory Maritime Single Window (MSW) regulations last year, which require ships and ports to use a single digital platform to exchange information and streamline port call procedures. 

The 49th session of the Facilitation Committee advanced other key digital initiatives, including: 

Updated IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business: A new version was approved, featuring additional data sets to improve standardization and interoperability across maritime IT systems. 

Enhanced Maritime Single Window (MSW) Guidelines: Amendments to the Guidelines for setting up a maritime single window were approved to introduce verification functions, reducing manual administrative burdens and eliminating redundant checks by different authorities.  

Cybersecurity for Maritime Single Window: A new output was introduced to develop cybersecurity measures to safeguard MSWs and protect digital maritime operations from attacks. 

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