Cook Islands is receiving support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to “achieve the most efficient maritime transport as possible”.

IMO is supporting the country to accede to the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL), a key treaty aimed at achieving the most efficient maritime transport as possible, through the smooth transit in ports of ships, cargo and passengers.

According to IMO, a National Seminar on Facilitation of Maritime Traffic held in Rarotonga from November 21-23 provided advice on the latest amendments to the Annex to the FAL Convention which were adopted in 2022 and which will enter into force on January 1, 2024.

“These changes will see the operation of a single window for data exchange become mandatory in ports around the world, marking a significant step in the acceleration of digitalisation in shipping,” the statement said.

“The idea of a single-entry point for the exchange of data electronically is to avoid duplication and to maximise the efficiency of maritime and port administrative procedures when a ship arrives, during its stay and at the point of its departure.”

Cook Islands Ministry of Transport director for maritime Patricia Tuara welcomed the supported and reiterated the benefits it would bring to the country.

Meanwhile the seminar was attended by representatives from relevant Cook Islands ministries, along with stakeholders with responsibilities for the clearance of ships, cargoes, crews, and passengers.

The 18 participants were given guidance on the benefits of using Maritime Single Window and Electronic Data Interchange in facilitating ships’ clearance in Cook Islands’ ports, IMO said.

The event was organised by IMO in collaboration with the Pacific Community (SPC) and was hosted by the Ministry of Transport of the Cook Islands.