Kale Logistics Solutions (Kale) and International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) have together released a whitepaper to drive adoption of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) concept, just ahead of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) January 2024 mandate for digital data exchange.
Kale’s MSW enables electronic transfer of information and documentation between maritime and port stakeholders, as per IMO standards. The whitepaper reveals usage guidelines for MSW and full life cycle of the solution to expedite digital acceptance in worldwide maritime operations.
Speaking on the launch, Suneet Gupta, Global Head – Cargo Community Systems, Kale Logistics Solutions, shared, “This whitepaper plays a significant role in clearing the ambiguities regarding technology adoption and how MSW can seamlessly facilitate trade for the global maritime ecosystem.”
MSW’s digitised five-step process flow defined in the report begins with submitting the Notice of Arrival by the shipper, followed by notification of vessel and cargo by shipping line to the port.
An import manifest file is then created and integrated into the Customs system online, IMO Standard FAL forms and certificates uploaded, and vessel arrival clearance given to the ship owner, who can then, receive digital departure clearance.
The full system enables real time monitoring of a vessel’s status. It needs information to be input only once and simplifies documentary procedures between all participants of sea-side operations. It also offers enhanced crew and cargo safety, uninterrupted global supply chains, and data harmonisation, and combats illegal trade and malpractices associated with ship-shore interface.
Amendments to the Facilitation (FAL) Convention by IMO’s Facilitation Committee will see the single window for data exchange become mandatory in ports worldwide January 1st, 2024.
