IMO Media Centre

IMO FAL Committee Approves Maritime Digitalization Strategy and Cybersecurity Measures

The IMO Facilitation Committee (FAL) at its 50th session (23-27 March) approved the IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization, establishing digitalization as an overarching IMO policy to be integrated into the Organization's Strategic Plan, with the goal of improving efficiency, reducing administrative burdens, and strengthening ships' environmental performance. The Committee also approved amendments to the Annex of the FAL Convention mandating cybersecurity measures for maritime single windows (MSWs) and permitting Advance Passenger/Crew Information (API) and Booking/Reservation Information (BRI) in the maritime sector. Both amendment packages will be submitted for adoption at FAL 51 in 2027 with an expected entry into force date of 1 January 2029.

IMO Secretary-General Urges Diplomatic Action as 20,000 Seafarers Stranded in Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The IMO Secretary-General briefed Foreign Ministers from more than 40 countries on escalating attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, confirming 21 attacks since 28 February 2026 resulting in 10 seafarer fatalities with several more severely injured. Approximately 20,000 civilian seafarers remain stranded aboard vessels in the Persian Gulf. Secretary-General Dominguez called for diplomatic engagement and coordinated international action, announcing an IMO-developed maritime evacuation framework built on coastal State cooperation and operational coordination.