Republic of the Congo Strengthens Port Digitalisation Efforts

A needs assessment mission took place in the Republic of the Congo to review current port procedures and institutional structures and support preparations for the introduction of a Maritime Single Window system at the Port of Pointe-Noire.

The Maritime Single Window is a digital platform that allows all agencies and stakeholders involved in vessel arrivals, stays, and departures to exchange information through one interface. The system is expected to make ship and cargo clearance processes faster and less costly by simplifying information sharing. Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States have been required to establish Maritime Single Window systems in their ports to improve shipping efficiency worldwide.

IMO consultants carried out the mission in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation and Merchant Shipping, the Port Administration, customs and border agencies, the Port Health Service, the Border Police and Immigration Service, as well as private sector stakeholders including shipping lines, agents, and terminal operators.

H.E. Mr. Josué Rodrigue Ngouonimba, Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and Merchant Shipping of the Republic of the Congo, presided over the opening ceremony. The mission ended with a meeting between the consultants and the maritime and port authorities to review and validate the findings.

The mission report will present a roadmap for the development of the Maritime Single Window in Pointe-Noire, along with key findings and recommendations based on IMO guidance. The report will help guide the next phase of implementation and support the development of related digital tools.

The report will also support stakeholder mapping and provide practical direction for the efficient implementation of the Maritime Single Window system.

IMO delivered the activity through its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme in close collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation and Merchant Shipping of the Republic of the Congo.

source: maritimafrica.com