The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that St. Kitts and Nevis is advancing plans to establish a Maritime Single Window (MSW) to digitalise its maritime sector.
As of 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States are required to implement MSW systems to streamline port procedures and enhance efficiency.
St. Kitts and Nevis, along with four other Eastern Caribbean states – Saint Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – are setting up MSWs with support from the IMO, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
A team of experts is conducting needs assessment missions in each country to review current port clearance procedures. The mission in St. Kitts and Nevis (26-30 August) included a workshop with regulatory agencies and meetings with high-level officials and stakeholders, organised and facilitated by the Department of Maritime Affairs at the Ministry of International Transport.
On the final day, the team presented its findings and recommendations, which will inform a gap analysis of the current system and cost analysis for establishing an MSW that meets IMO requirements.
This needs assessment mission was the second in the series, following St. Lucia in early August. Upcoming missions are scheduled for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (September), Grenada (October), and Dominica (November).
The MSW systems of all OECS member states will be connected to the regional repository of the Caribbean Community Implementation Agency on Crime and Security-Joint Region Communication Centre (CARICOM IMPACS-JRCC).
Last month, the IMO launched a new toolkit to help the global maritime industry respond better to “insider threats”.