Global shipping leaders have hailed the significant strides made by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Facilitation Convention, a landmark treaty that continues to shape the future of maritime transport more than six decades after its adoption.
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Convention on the Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention), an international panel convened on 10 March, hosted by the IMO. The event examined the lasting impact of the treaty and its ongoing relevance in today’s maritime landscape.
Adopted in 1965, the FAL Convention was designed to streamline the flow of maritime traffic by standardizing the information ships must provide when entering ports. Its goal was to enhance efficiency and reduce administrative burdens on ships and port authorities worldwide.
A key development in the Convention’s evolution took place on 1 January 2024, with the introduction of amendments requiring the use of “maritime single windows”—centralized digital platforms that facilitate the exchange of information between ships, ports, and relevant authorities. This modernized approach has further streamlined the processes involved in ship arrivals, stays, and departures.
“The Facilitation Convention is the most impactful convention that many people have never heard of,” remarked Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice-President of the World Shipping Council, during the panel discussion.
Kjaer pointed out that while the Convention has spurred significant digital advancements in the sector, its impact remains largely unrecognized by many stakeholders. He emphasized the need to raise awareness of the FAL Convention and to engage stakeholders from various regions to address challenges in its implementation.
Patrick Verhoeven, Managing Director of the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), praised the significant progress achieved in digitalization and standardization but also highlighted the ongoing challenges. Chief among these is bridging the digital divide between countries with advanced technologies and those lacking them, along with addressing increasing cybersecurity risks.
“While digitalization is essential, the greatest threat to the port industry is cyber risk. We are responsible for critical services and infrastructure, and with rising geopolitical instability, that risk is only growing,” Verhoeven said.
He emphasized that fostering trust between governments and industry, particularly through public-private partnerships, is essential to ensuring the safe and efficient exchange of data and information.
Deck Officer Scarlett Barnett-Smith, a young seafarer with DFDS Seaways, shared her perspective on the impact of the FAL Convention on the lives of seafarers.
“It’s crucial that seafarers can focus on their core duties, not be overwhelmed by paperwork,” she stated. Barnett-Smith also addressed the “fear of modernization” felt by some in the workforce, calling on ship and port managers to ensure clear communication and support to prevent seafarers from being left behind in the digital transition. She also underscored the importance of safeguarding seafarers’ mental health and creating a more inclusive environment for women on board ships, who currently represent less than 2% of the global seafaring workforce.
The event also featured dynamic discussions between panelists and the audience, highlighting the widespread interest in the FAL Convention and the concept of “shared responsibility” in improving maritime transport. The gathering, which took place during the 49th session of the IMO’s Facilitation Committee, was opened by IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and moderated by Pressiana Naydenova of the Association of British Ports.
As the maritime industry looks ahead, the FAL Convention remains a cornerstone in ensuring efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade.
