Circular No. 4204/Add.20 Call to action for the acceleration of the digitalization of maritime trade and logistics.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION
4 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, LONDRES SE1 7SR
Telephone: +44(0)20 7735 7611 | Facsimil: +44(0)20 7587 3210
Subject: Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Call to action for the acceleration of the digitalization of maritime trade and logistics
A group of global industry associations recognized as consultative entities by the Organization, representing the shipping and port sectors (ICS, IAPH, BIMCO, ICHCA, IMPA, ISSA, IHMA, FONASBA, and IPCSA), in collaboration with the PROTECT Group, has developed a joint declaration to drive digitalization.
The Secretary-General of the IMO supports this call and encourages intergovernmental collaboration to address the nine priorities for accelerating digitalization highlighted in the annex.
ANNEX: CALL TO ACTION
The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the heterogeneity of the global port landscape. While some ports have moved toward “smart” systems, many still rely on physical interactions and paper-based transactions. Only 49 of the 174 IMO Member States have operational Port Community Systems.
Priorities for accelerating digitalization
| Priority | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Implement the mandatory requirements of the IMO Facilitation Convention (electronic data exchange and single windows). |
| 2 | Harmonize data standards (ISO, IHO, IMO Compendium) for the “just-in-time” operation of ships and resource optimization. |
| 3 | Introduce port community systems and secure data exchange platforms in the main ports of Member States. |
| 4 | Examine and strengthen IMO guidance on maritime cyber risk management |
| 5 | Promote best practices and standardization in emerging technologies (AI, advanced analytics, IoT, Blockchain, etc.). |
| 6 | Facilitate technologies to increase health security and protect employees and crews. |
| 7 | Develop a framework/roadmap for digital port platforms connected with inland supply chains. |
| 8 | Increase transparency through collaboration and standardization, starting with the electronic bill of lading. |
| 9 | Establish a capacity-building and training framework for less developed port communities. |
This work requires collaboration between industry stakeholders and governments, leveraging instruments such as the WTO National Trade Facilitation Committees.
Subscribing entities of the call
- ICS (International Chamber of Shipping)
- IAPH (International Association of Ports and Harbors)
- BIMCO
- ICHCA (International Cargo Handling Coordination Association)
- IMPA (International Maritime Pilots’ Association)
- ISSA (International Shipsuppliers & Services Association)
- IHMA (International Harbour Masters’ Association)
- FONASBA (Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents)
- IPCSA (International Port Community Systems Association)
- Group PROTECT
