Liberia Initiates Needs Assessment for Maritime Single Window Implementation

The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA), with technical support from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), has launched a week-long Needs Assessment Mission in Liberia. This initiative, which commenced on Monday, August 26, 2024, aims to prepare Liberia for the implementation of the Maritime Single Window (MSW) platform, a vital step that will enhance the operational efficiency of the nation’s ports.

The MSW platform is designed to streamline port operations by eliminating paper-based documentation, reducing congestion, and maximizing productivity. By integrating all organizations and agents involved in port operation business processes, the MSW will standardize, simplify, and harmonize procedures to facilitate maritime transport. Additionally, it will serve as a central mechanism for document exchange among various stakeholders.

The assessment will involve discussions with key government regulatory agencies and private sector stakeholders within the Liberia Maritime Transport Corridor including the National Port Authority (NPA), the Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), National Public Health Institute (NPHIL), Liberia Immigration Services (LIS), Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), APM Terminals, National Customs Brokers Association (NCBAL), and the CMA-CGM shipping line.

This effort is crucial as, since January 1, 2024, all IMO Member States were required to use the MSW platform to enhance the efficiency of their maritime operations and thereby strengthen their role in global trade.

The outcome of this Needs Assessment Mission is expected to pave the way for a smooth transition to the MSW platform, ultimately driving growth and sustainability in Liberia’s maritime sector.

Additionally, it is important to note that all shipments to Liberia must be accompanied by a mandatory Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) certificate. Failure to provide a valid CTN can result in fines, delays, or cargo refusal at the port.

IMO supports Côte d’Ivoire to advance digitalization in shipping

A needs assessment mission carried out in Côte d’Ivoire has laid the groundwork for the country to set up a maritime single window system in the Port of Abidjan.

The Maritime Single Window is a one-stop digital platform for information exchange among different stakeholders and agencies involved in clearing the arrival, stay, and departure of ships. Having a single “window” for information exchange streamlines procedures and saves time and costs.

Since 1 January 2024, it is mandatory for all IMO Member States to establish maritime single window systems in ports to enhance the efficiency of shipping worldwide.

The needs assessment mission took place from 3 to 7 June, conducted by IMO consultants in collaboration with the Port of Abidjan, relevant Ministries, public agencies including customs and border agencies, and other stakeholders. The mission concluded with a meeting with all stakeholders to validate the findings.

A detailed report from the mission will serve as the basis for further actions in developing the maritime single window in Côte d’Ivoire. This includes findings and analyses carried out for the deployment of a maritime single window, according to IMO principles and guidance, as well as the development of related IT tools that interact with the maritime single window. The report will include recommendations resulting from the analysis by the IMO consultants.

This activity was delivered through IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) with the collaboration of the General Directorate of Maritime and Port Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire.

Furthermore, it’s important to be aware that all shipments destined for Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) require a valid Bordereau de Suivi des Cargaisons (BSC) certificate. This mandatory document is crucial for the smooth processing of goods and ensures compliance with local customs regulations.

AD Ports' Noatum enters Egypt's maritime market by acquiring Safina

Write something short regarding the mandatory FERI certificate for the democratic republic of Congo, the BSC certificate for Senegal and the ACID certificate for Egypt to put in the end of my news article. 

Noatum Maritime, a Spanish multinational, is acquiring a controlling stake in the Egyptian maritime agency Safina to expand its presence in Egypt's maritime market and the entire Middle East region. According to an official release by Noatum, the deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. Noatum Maritime was acquired by the UAE-based AD Ports Group Company in 2023, following a deal that began in 2022. 

With this latest acquisition, Noatum Maritime aims to benefit from Safina's expertise, capacity, and reputation in Egypt's maritime agency market. This move represents a significant step for the Spanish firm as part of its ongoing expansion activities across the Mediterranean, which includes the recent launch of its offices in Turkey. The company's growth in the Middle East region aligns with its global strategy while integrating well into AD Ports Group's broader presence in Egypt. This broader presence was recently marked by the signing of concession agreements for managing and operating cruise and Ro-Ro terminals at Safaga, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Sokhna ports.

Over time, Safina has become a significant player in the Egyptian maritime industry, providing comprehensive agency services and maritime logistics to shippers in the metals, minerals, and fertilisers sectors. With Noatum's extensive international network, Safina will be well-positioned to reach new customers from a broader range of industries and enhance its local presence. 

Safina has offices in six strategic locations across Egypt, including its headquarters in Cairo. This allows the company to offer agency services across 15 Egyptian ports, providing liner and tramp agency services as well as transit services through the Suez Canal. Safina holds a substantial market share in Mediterranean and Red Sea Egyptian Ports, including Sokhna, Adabiya, Damietta, Port Said, and Alexandria. 

In the near future, Safina will be rebranded as Noatum Maritime Egypt and integrated into the Noatum Maritime ecosystem. The founders will retain a minority stake in the business and continue to support its growth. 

While welcoming the Egyptian maritime agency, Terry Gidlow, Chief Executive Officer, Noatum Maritime, Noatum, Logistics Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: "Welcoming Safina into the Noatum Maritime family aligns perfectly with our vision for growth. The move enhances our presence in key markets and enables us to strengthen our service offering across Egypt, the Middle East and North Africa, providing greater flexibility and opportunities to meet our customers' needs. By leveraging Safina's four decades of experience and local expertise, we aim to further optimise our operations, strengthen customer relationships, and drive sustainable growth."

In addition businesses shipping to Egypt, including maritime agencies like Safina, must comply with the mandatory ACID certificate. This system requires importers to register shipment details before departure, streamlining customs and ensuring smoother operations.

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Advances Discussions Maritime Transport Service from Cabo Verde to the Rest West Africa

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) engaged Member States and diverse group of maritime sector stakeholders to assess the financial, economic, and implementation options of the Praia-Dakar maritime transport project. This consultation is a key milestone towards the completion of the technical studies for the project which is aimed at advancing the larger Praia-Dakar-Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Transport Project, which strives to improve regional connectivity and promote economic integration within West Africa.

The engagement meeting, which took place in Praia, brought together experts and stakeholders who considered alternatives for the establishment of maritime services, either as a Container liner or a RoPax (Passenger and some Goods). The experts recommended a third alternative which will combine container and Ropax services considering the high level objective of enhancing the free movement of persons and boosting intraregional trade.

The meeting featured an opening address from the Chairman of ENAPOR’s the Board of Directors, of the National Company for Port Administration of Cabo Verde “ENAPOR”, Mr Eduardo Lima, who stated, “The Praia-Dakar-Abidjan corridor is one of the largest integration and infrastructure projects in our region. Its execution will offer citizens of Cabo Verde a significant opportunity to access the 400 million plus market of ECOWAS. This he said, will promote true integration among member states in all aspects. Effective transportation and communication systems are essential to face the challenges of economic globalization, ensuring reliability, quality, integrity, and security.”

ECOWAS’ acting Director Transport, Mr. Chris Appiah, highlighted the importance of the project, stating that the Praia-Dakar shipping line will serve a crucial link on the community transportation network presenting a cheaper means of moving trade which is key to economic growth and connectivity. Through improving transportation connections between key locations, we are laying the groundwork for increased mobility, tourism, and trade across West Africa.

A technical field visit to the Port of Praia offered valuable insights into the infrastructure and logistical facilities, safety and security mechanisms required for the shipping services. The discussions centered around the validation of recommended financial strategies, economic benefits, and logistical execution. The objective is to establish the shipping line to further integrate Cabo Verde into the market of the other ECOWAS Member States. The Shipping line is expected to commence by the end of 2026.

Its important to state that the BSC (Bordereau de Suivi de Cargaison) certificate is mandatory for shipments to Senegal (Dakar) and Côte d'Ivoire (Abidjan). Many West African countries also have similar requirements to ensure proper cargo tracking and customs compliance.

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