The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is taking decisive action to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at leveraging emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the shipping industry.
During its 49th session in London from March 10 to 14, the IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) outlined a work plan to craft the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization, which is expected to be adopted by the organization’s highest governing body, the IMO Assembly, by the end of 2027.
This forward-thinking, cross-disciplinary strategy will span several areas of the IMO’s operations, with the ultimate goal of fostering a fully interconnected, harmonized, and automated global maritime sector.
To drive this initiative, the Facilitation Committee has established a Correspondence Group tasked with defining the strategy’s scope, key objectives, and the framework for its implementation. The group will work over the next year to identify existing and emerging technologies, standards, and methodologies that can support maritime digitalization, all while ensuring alignment across IMO’s various committees.
The Facilitation Committee has also encouraged the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to engage Member States and international organizations to join the Correspondence Group. This collaborative effort will ensure that all relevant stakeholders are involved early in shaping the IMO’s digitalization strategy.
The Correspondence Group is set to present a report during the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in 2026, before submitting the final strategy to the Assembly in 2027.
Transforming Shipping through Digitalization
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez highlighted the transformative potential of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous navigation. He also acknowledged the challenges these advancements present, such as cybersecurity risks and the growing global digital divide.
“The IMO Maritime Digitalization Strategy is a game-changing effort to make smart, seamless shipping a reality,” Dominguez remarked. “It will help integrate vessels and ports, streamline logistics, optimize routes, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. But we must work together to ensure that the strategy benefits all stakeholders.”
Building on Previous Digitalization Milestones
The digitalization strategy builds on previous initiatives, such as the introduction of mandatory Maritime Single Window (MSW) regulations last year. These regulations require ships and ports to use a unified digital platform for exchanging information, thus simplifying port call procedures.
At its 49th session, the Facilitation Committee also advanced several key digital initiatives:
- Updated IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business: A new version was approved, featuring enhanced data sets to improve standardization and interoperability across maritime IT systems.
- Enhanced Maritime Single Window (MSW) Guidelines: Amendments to the guidelines were approved to introduce verification functions that reduce manual administrative burdens and eliminate redundant checks by multiple authorities.
- Cybersecurity for Maritime Single Window: A new initiative was launched to develop cybersecurity measures that will protect MSWs and safeguard digital maritime operations from cyberattacks.
- Electronic Certificates Guidelines: Joint guidelines from FAL, LEG, MEPC, and MSC committees on electronic certificates were approved and forwarded for concurrent approval by the Marine Environment Protection, Maritime Safety, and Legal Committees.
Engagement from Member States
The success of the IMO’s digitalization strategy hinges on the active participation and input of Member States and international organizations, particularly regarding safety and environmental protection. A detailed summary of the Facilitation Committee’s meeting will follow to keep stakeholders informed and involved.
With these initiatives, the IMO is setting the stage for a future of smarter, more efficient, and sustainable global shipping. The ongoing collaboration among international bodies and stakeholders will be crucial to achieving these ambitious goals.
