IMO-Singapore selects Angola as pilot project for SWiFT system

The SWiFT system revolves around digital ship clearance.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Singapore revealed via a press release that the department has selected the Port of Lobito, Angola, for a pilot project involving the SWiFT system. 

This system enables the electronic submission of information required when ships call at the pilot port. Known as the Maritime Single Window, this allows required data elements to be electronically submitted only once,  through a single portal. 

The pilot is expected to commence by November 15, 2021. 

Part of the support offered to Angola includes advisement on the legal, policy and institutional requirements to implement an MSW system. Functional MSW software and IT services will also be included as well. 

“Following implementation in the pilot port, the IMO-Singapore project endeavours to springboard countries in their digitalization journey and unlock the full potential of their maritime sectors. It is only when most, if not all, ports undergo digital transformation, that the full benefits of digitalization can be realized by the maritime community,” said Julian Abril, Head of IMO’s Facilitation Section.