Since 1 January 2024, governments that are party to the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) have been required to use a Maritime Single Window (MSW) for electronic information exchange during port calls. The requirement marks an important step in maritime digitalisation, but it also raises a wider question for ports: what comes after regulatory compliance?
In this blog post we explain what the requirement says, who it applies to, and how ports can use it as a foundation for more connected operations.
What Is a Maritime Single Window?
A Maritime Single Window is a centralised digital platform through which shipowners and ports public/private entities exchange the information required for a vessel’s arrival, stay and departure using a single electronic entry point.
Traditionally, a port call involves many stakeholders, including customs, immigration, port health, security authorities and harbourmasters. Each needs specific information, often requested through separate systems, emails or manual processes. This can result in repeated data submissions, administrative delays and limited visibility across port operations.
A Maritime Single Window allows information to be submitted once and shared with relevant authorities, reducing duplication and supporting coordination.
What Does the IMO 2024 Requirement Say?
The requirement comes from amendments to the FAL Convention adopted by the IMO in 2022 (Resolution FAL.14(46)) and in effect since 1 January 2024.
Under the amendments, public authorities must:
· Establish, maintain and use Maritime Single Window systems for electronic information exchange concerning a ship’s arrival, stay and departure.
· Coordinate electronic data transmission, so information is submitted or provided only once and reused to the maximum extent possible.
Two points are easy to miss. First, the obligation falls on Contracting Governments and their public entities, rather than on ships themselves. Ships, agents, and operators use the system. Second, the FAL Convention concerns international maritime traffic, and Contracting Governments can notify the IMO of differences from its standards, meaning national implementation can vary.
The amendments also build on earlier requirements. Electronic exchange of FAL information has been mandatory since April 2019. The 2024 amendments added the single window approach, bringing information exchange through one coordinated entry point rather than separate electronic channels.
What Does This Mean for Ports and Maritime Authorities?
Because the obligation sits with public authorities, its impact on ports depends on national governance arrangements. Port authorities may be directly involved in implementation, while operators and terminals participate in wider port call processes. Key considerations include:
· Regulatory coordination: Customs, immigration, health, security and other entities need defined responsibilities and access to relevant information.
· Data standardisation: The IMO Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business provides a data set and reference model for harmonising maritime information exchange.
· Security and trust: IMO guidance FAL.5/Circ.46 addresses authentication, integrity and confidentiality in Maritime Single Window information exchanges.
· Stakeholder collaboration: Government agencies, shipping agents, port operators (marine services and terminals) and other participants need workable ways to submit and receive information.
The IMO’s revised Guidelines for Setting Up a Maritime Single Window (FAL.5/Circ.42/Rev.4) provide a practical reference for administrations planning or reviewing implementation.
Connecting the Whole Port Call
The IMO requirement focuses on electronic information exchange between shipowners and public authorities. Port calls also involve berth allocation, vessel movements, marine services, invoicing, payments, and departure clearance. Some of these activities extend beyond the regulatory mandate, but they involve many of the same stakeholders and data.
IMO guidance FAL.5/Circ.52 also addresses harmonised electronic exchange of operational port call data. Meanwhile, the IMO Compendium supports common definitions and formats across Maritime Single Windows, Port Community Systems and related data exchanges.
Webb Fontaine’s Maritime Single Window solution, Webb Maritime, is designed with this broader view. Alongside maritime declarations and regulatory approvals, it supports berth planning, vessel movements, service and permit requests, operational monitoring, payments and electronic departure clearance on one platform.
The platform provides role-based access so organisations can review information relevant to their responsibilities. Actions and decisions are recorded with timestamps, while stakeholders can follow vessel status, pending actions, live operations, port map and the organisation responsible for the next step.
Interoperability with Port Community Systems, national single windows and customs platforms is an important consideration in Maritime Single Window implementation. The IMO Compendium provides a common reference for harmonising data exchange across these systems. Specific Webb Maritime integrations should be evaluated against each port’s existing environment and technical requirements for Modern APIs and event publishing in system-to-system exchanges, with authentication and message signing in line with IMO guidance on integrity and confidentiality.
From Requirement to Opportunity
The IMO’s Maritime Single Window requirement establishes a common foundation for electronic information exchange between ships and public authorities. But compliance is only the starting point.
For maritime administrations and port authorities, the next step is to explore how this digital foundation can support broader operations, from berth planning and vessel movements to marine services and departure clearance.
Webb Maritime brings regulatory and operational workflows together on one platform, supporting greater coordination and visibility throughout the port call.
Discover Webb Fontaine’s Maritime Single Window and speak with Webb Fontaine’s team about your port’s digitalisation requirements.
Official IMO references
IMO: FAL Convention and electronic information exchange
IMO: FAL-related guidance, including FAL.5/Circ.42/Rev.4, FAL.5/Circ.46 and FAL.5/Circ.52
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About Webb Fontaine
Webb Fontaine is revolutionising international trade by empowering governments and communities with technology powered by AI. We offer comprehensive solutions across the trade spectrum, ranging from risk management to customs systems, single window, and beyond. Webb Fontaine is headquartered in Dubai, UAE with a presence across Europe, Middle East, South America, Asia and Africa.