IMO promotes digitalisation and facilitation of maritime traffic

The Facilitation Committee of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) met in London from 23 to 27 March 2026. The Facilitation Committee (FAL) deals with facilitation, digitalisation and procedures by the authorities related to international maritime traffic.

The Committee approved amendments to the FAL Convention concerning the facilitation of international maritime traffic. The most important amendments are the rules for advance passenger and crew information (API) that will promote maritime safety and crime prevention and rules to improve the cyber security of the maritime single window systems that will facilitate electronic business.
 
The advancement of digitalisation is a key theme in the Committee’s work. The meeting discussed the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization, and the work will continue in the Correspondence Group. Presentations were also given concerning ways to promote the digitalisation of maritime traffic, and a new version of the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business was approved. The Compendium is a key tool for promoting electronic information exchange.
 
The meeting decided to begin the work to develop non-binding cyber regulation of shipping and create guidelines for the management of maritime information at ports. Matters related to stowaways and measures to fight against the smuggling of drugs were discussed as well.

What’s next?

The Facilitation Committee will meet again in spring 2027.

Inquiries:

Ritva Hautanen, Chief Specialist, Ministry of Transport and Communications, tel. +358 295 342 081, [email protected]
Netta Lahtinen, Chief Specialist, Traficom, tel. +358 295 347 046, [email protected]