IMO: A Global Strategy for Maritime Digitalization
The IMO Facilitation Committee met in London last March for its 49th session to discuss issues related to the facilitation of international maritime traffic. These are the first steps towards a cross-cutting strategy that will leverage emerging new technologies to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in the maritime industry.
During the meeting in London, a work plan was outlined to develop the IMO Strategy for Maritime Digitalization, which is expected to be adopted by the IMO Assembly by the end of 2027.
To guide this process, a Correspondence Group was established to define the scope of the strategy, its key objectives, and the implementation framework. The Group will work over the next year to identify existing and emerging technologies, standards, and methodologies that can support maritime digitalization, while ensuring alignment across the various IMO committees.
The Facilitation Committee invited the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) to encourage Member States and international organizations to join the Correspondence Group, to ensure the early involvement of all stakeholders in shaping the IMO digitalization strategy.
IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez stated: "The IMO Maritime Digitalization Strategy is a groundbreaking effort to make smart, seamless, and uninterrupted shipping a reality. It will help integrate ships and ports, improve logistics, and optimize routes, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must work together to ensure that the strategy serves everyone."