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Committee approvals drive forward IMO cyber security, digitalisation strategy
A key committee at IMO in London has approved the organisation’s steps to incorporate digitalisation to enhance maritime’s online safety and security
IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL), at its 50th session, has approved the organisation’s digitalisation strategy, cyber-security measures governing crew and passenger information, and ship-shore data communications.
In late March, FAL 50 approved the IMO strategy on maritime digitalisation, which is aimed at transforming global maritime communications by standardising systems, data sharing and data governance across organisations and jurisdictions to improve interoperability.
The strategy establishes maritime digitalisation as an overarching IMO policy to be integrated into the United Nations’ organisation’s strategic plans to be applied across all IMO bodies and processes.
IMO said this includes engaging with maritime administrations, the shipping industry and seafarers, particularly through maritime single windows of information exchange.
“The goal is to improve efficiency and reduce administrative burdens by facilitating the sharing, verification and renewal of seafarer credentials, passenger identification and ship certificates,” said IMO in a regulatory update.
IMO’s digitalisation strategy also covers data used for navigation safety and strengthening ships’ environmental performance, while promoting human-centred systems that are resilient to disruption and cyber threats.
This maritime strategy will now be shared with IMO’s legal, marine environment, and maritime safety committees for further review before being submitted for adoption to the IMO Assembly’s 35th session in 2027.
During the meeting, held 23-27 March, FAL also approved amendments to an annex of the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL Convention), to address growing cyber threats.
These amendments require governments to implement mandatory cyber-security measures to protect maritime single windows, in line with national legislation. These windows are one-stop digital platforms established by maritime authorities to facilitate information exchange between ships and government agencies.
“The amendments aim to protect these systems – which are key to streamlining procedures for arrival, stay and departure at ports – from cyber risks,” said IMO.
These amendments will be submitted for adoption at the next FAL committee session (FAL 51) in 2027 and are expected to enter into force on 1 January 2029.
Other key FAL 50 decisions
The FAL 50 meeting in London, UK, approved amendments to another annex of the FAL Convention that enable governments to implement advanced passenger, crew, booking and reservation information in the maritime sector.
“These measures represent a notable step forward in strengthening the management of crew and passenger information, enhancing both border control processes and operational efficiency,” said IMO.
These amendments will be submitted for adoption at FAL 51 in 2027, with expected entry into force on 1 January 2029.
FAL 50 approved a new version of IMO’s compendium on facilitation and electronic business, including new datasets, for adoption at FAL 51, and adopted guidelines on the prevention of access by stowaways and the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases.
Another annex of the FAL Convention adopted by the committee relates to vaccinations and medical care for crews during international public health emergencies.
It recommends that governments consider IMO guidance on crew vaccination within national programmes and ensure access to medical care during public health emergencies of international concern, and will enter into force on 1 January 2028.
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