IMO launches strategy to enhance maritime digitalization
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has initiated a significant endeavour aimed at utilising emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability within the shipping industry. This initiative was detailed during the IMO's 49th session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL), held in London from 10 to 14 March. The committee outlined a strategic work plan that will culminate in the adoption of the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization by the Organisation’s highest governing body, the IMO Assembly, anticipated to take place by the end of 2027.
This comprehensive strategy aims to create a fully integrated, harmonised, and automated global maritime sector, addressing various facets of IMO’s work. To facilitate this effort, a Correspondence Group was formed during the session to define the strategy’s scope, objectives, and the framework for its implementation. Over the next year, the Group will focus on identifying both existing and emerging technologies, as well as standards and methodologies that will support maritime digitalization. The aim is to foster consistency across the various committees within the IMO.
The Facilitation Committee has extended an invitation to the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to encourage relevant Member States and international organisations to participate in the Correspondence Group. This outreach is designed to ensure that all stakeholders are involved early in the development of the IMO digitalization strategy. The Correspondence Group is expected to present its findings at the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) in 2026, with a final report to be submitted to the Assembly session scheduled for the end of 2027.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez outlined the transformative potential of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous navigation. He acknowledged the challenges that accompany such progress, including cybersecurity threats and the disparity in global digital capabilities. Speaking to Maritime Magazine, Dominguez noted, “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 optimise routes, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must work together to ensure the strategy serves all.”
The newly proposed strategy builds upon previous accomplishments, notably the introduction of mandatory Maritime Single Window (MSW) regulations in the previous year, which mandates the use of a singular digital platform for ships and ports to exchange information, streamlining port call procedures.
In addition to the digitalisation strategy, the 49th session of the Facilitation Committee advanced further key digital initiatives, which included the approval of a revised IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business. This new edition incorporates additional data sets designed to foster greater standardisation and interoperability across maritime IT systems.
Amendments were also made to the Enhanced Maritime Single Window (MSW) Guidelines, introducing verification functions aimed at reducing manual administrative workload and eliminating redundant checks conducted by different authorities. Furthermore, a new output was launched focusing on cybersecurity for Maritime Single Windows, aiming to develop protective measures to safeguard these platforms from potential cyber threats.
Finally, the committee approved Joint Guidelines on Electronic Certificates, which will be forwarded for concurrent approval by the Marine Environment Protection, Maritime Safety, and Legal Committees. As the maritime industry moves towards an increasingly digital future, the outcomes of this session set a clear trajectory for the sector's ongoing efforts to integrate digital solutions into its operational framework.