IMO Initiative

The efficient flow of goods through maritime corridors is the backbone of global trade. Taking this into consideration, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated all its member states to implement Maritime Single Window (MSW) from January 1, 2024.

What is a Maritime Single Window (MSW) ?

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a Maritime Single Window (MSW) is a digital platform that enables “the electronic submission and exchange of all information required by public authorities in connection with the arrival, stay, and departure of ships, people, and cargo, through a single-entry point.

India’s Step towards Maritime Single Window (MSW)

India’s journey with Portall towards, digitizing its maritime operations began with launch of Port Community System (PCS 1x) in 2018. Building on this basis, Portall launched Sagar Setu, also known as National Logistics Portal (NLP)- Marine, in 2022 in partnership with Indian Port Association(IPA) under Ministry of Port, Shipping and Waterways.

This initiative aims to streamline port and logistics processes by integrating multiple maritime and logistics services under one digital umbrella.

In 2024, Portall further advanced its digital transformation by implementing Maritime Single Window module within Sagar Setu in line with IMO Fal Convention requirements.

About Portall’s MSW via Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine)

Portall has been a pioneer in implementation of digital port solutions. The MSW module implemented by Portall's is a cutting-edge digital platform that empowers electronic submission, processing and exchange of maritime related information and documents among port authorities, regulatory bodies and various stakeholders involved in maritime trade. 

By empowering all maritime stakeholders, Portall has been acting as an enabler in contributing to regulatory compliance, operational transparency, and ease of doing business in the Indian shipping and logistics ecosystem.

The MSW offers a single window platform for the electronic submission of pre-arrival, port stay, and departure declarations and integrates easily with Indian Ports, the Directorate General of Shipping, and other regulatory agencies. This digital interface ensures that India complies with the International Maritime Organization’s Facilitation (IMO FAL) Convention, enhancing the country's global maritime compliance.

Challenges encountered before the implementation of MSW

1. Data Duplication & Errors: Re-entering the same data across several systems leads to increase in errors and inconsistencies, impacting the accuracy of port processes.

2. Increased Turnaround Time: Delays in scheduling and port clearance for vessel results in longer port stays.

3. Poor Resource Utilization: Lack of centralized visibility leads to either underutilization or overutilization of manpower and equipment.

4. Environmental Impact: Prolonged idling of vessels and vehicles awaiting for clearance or entry in port area contribute to excessive emission and fuel consumption.

5. Manual Documentation: Paper based processes slows down submission and validation, reducing the speed and reliability of approvals 

Key Objectives

The MSW implementation is aimed to :

• Provide a single digital interface for submission of documents and operational procedures during pre-arrival, port stay and after departure of vessel.

• Integrate multiple stakeholders such as Port authorities, Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping) and other regulatory bodies.

• Boost efficiency, transparency, and compliance in port operations across India.

Features Implemented 

To achieve the objectives and overcome the challenges, the following key features were developed and implemented by Portall.

• Complete support of all 7 IMO FAL Forms (Fal 1 to Fal 7), meeting the global standards.

• Integration with NLP Marine, Directorate General Shipping (DG Shipping) and other maritime stakeholders for end-to-end automation of port related operations.

• A Document Management System (DMS) for handling documents and approvals related to permits, certificates, and other critical documents.

• Real-time tracking of vessels and automated electronic acknowledgement.

• Adherence to Maritime Single Window (MSW) guidelines and promotion of paperless trade

Benefits Realized

News & Recognition

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal launches Maritime Single Window and MMD Modules in Sagar Setu (NLP-Marine)

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