IMO supports free-flowing maritime traffic in South-East Asia

The key IMO treaty supporting the free flow of international maritime traffic – the Facilitation Convention – was the subject of a regional seminar held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 22 to 26 May.

The Bangkok seminar attracted 53 participants from 11 countries across Southeast Asia involved in the clearance of ships, cargo, crew and passengers at ports. The aim was to support a more effective implementation of the Convention as a whole, as well as the maritime “single window” concept on data exchange.

The single window, encouraged under FAL, focuses on the many agencies and authorities involved exchange data via a single point of contact.

The so-called “FAL Convention” provides a set of consistent, uniform regulations that cover the wide range of administrative tasks required of ships coming into and leaving port. These include customs declarations, immigrations clearance, import and export permits and many others. Implementing these regulations can both help reduce transport costs and contribute to sustainable development.