IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL 50)

The 50th session of the IMO’s Facilitation Committee (FAL 50) was held in London from 23 to 27 March 2026. FAL 50 continued discussions on an IMO Strategy on Maritime Digitalization. FAL 50 also agreed on amendments to the FAL Convention, and to progress the work on the new Maritime Cyber Code in the Facilitation Committee.

Information for: Ship owners and managers.

NEED TO KNOW

  
  • Decided to progress the work on the Maritime Cyber Code in the Facilitation Committee
  • Agreed and progressed on amendments to the FAL Convention
  • Progressed the development of an IMO strategy on maritime digitalization

FAL Convention amendments

Public health and quarantine

FAL 50 adopted a resolution amending the Annex to the FAL Convention related to the facilitation of crew changes, to the provision of vaccinations, and to access to medical care during a public health emergency of international concern. The
amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2028.

Advance Passenger Information (API) and Booking and
Reservation Information (BRI)

FAL 50 approved a draft FAL resolution amending the FAL Convention concerning the collection of API and BRI data, with a view to adoption at FAL 51. It was decided that the decision on whether to collect API or not should be up to the member states.

Mandatory cybersecurity requirements in Single Windows
FAL 50 approved a draft FAL resolution amending the FAL Convention to implement a mandatory framework for cybersecurity measures for safeguarding Single Windows, with a view to adoption at FAL 51.

Future amendments to the FAL Convention

FAL 50 agreed to commence the work of amending the Annex to the FAL Convention, based on the entry into force date of the amendments to the International Health Regulations. This will be on the agenda at FAL 51, with the target completion year being 2027. FAL50 considered a resolution to the ILO’s Special Tripartite Committee (STC 5) that reflects amendments to the Maritime
Labour Convention, 2006, and their possible impact on the FAL Convention concerning shore leave. FAL 50 recommended that member states submit proposals for new output to that effect.

Development of a comprehensive strategy on maritime digitalization

The IMO has identified the need for a comprehensive strategy on maritime digitalization, and tasked the Facilitation Committee to develop this. FAL 50 approved in principle the draft “Strategy on Maritime Digitalization” and agreed to forward it for review by MSC 111, MEPC 85 and LEG 114, with a view for adoption by Assembly 35 in 2027.

FAL 50 further agreed to reestablish the Correspondence Group, following MSC 111 in May 2026, on the development of the IMO’s Strategy on Maritime Digitalization and tasked it with developing an action plan to support the implementation of the strategy. The same Correspondence Group was also instructed to consider if or how the IMO’s Strategy on Maritime Digitalization
could be aligned with the Revised Strategic Plan of the Organization for the period 2024–2029, including the possible need for amendments or alignment with existing strategic directions. The Correspondence Group will report to FAL 51.

Maritime Cyber Code

The IMO has decided to establish a goal-based, non-mandatory Maritime Cyber Code, with a target completion date in 2028. This code is proposed to build on work already undertaken within the IMO to support the maritime sector’s response to emerging cybersecurity challenges – looking at safe operations of port facilities, shipping and the ship-to-shore interface. The work will be undertaken by FAL and supported by MSC to draw on expertise from both committees.

Furthermore, FAL 50 agreed to recommend the establishment of a Correspondence Group to prepare a roadmap for the development of the Maritime Cyber Code, to define the scope of application and to start drafting the code. The Correspondence Group will be established following approval by IMO Council 137 (C137) in July 2026 and will submit a report to FAL 51.

An intersessional Working Group on the Maritime Cyber Code may be established in 2027, subject to approval by C137.

Other work at FAL 50

Maritime Single Windows

The Annex to the FAL Convention, and the obligation of member states to establish Single Windows, entered into force on 1 January 2024. FAL has the responsibility to evaluate the implementation of Single Windows, to facilitate
implementation across member states, to address identified gaps and to promote regional cooperation and knowledge exchange. This evaluation will progress with a work plan up to year 2029, and it was agreed to use GISIS as basis for performance indicators to ensure the objectives of implementation are achieved.

Development of amendments to the revised guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals on ships engaged in international maritime traffic

FAL 50 progressed the work on the development of amendments to the guidelines contained in Resolutions FAL.9(34) and MSC.228(82), with the aim to finalize them at FAL 51 in 2027.

Development of amendments to the revised guidelines on the prevention of access by stowaways and the allocation of responsibilities to seek the successful resolution of stowaway cases

FAL 50 approved the revised guidelines contained in Resolution FAL.13(42), which will be sent to MSC for consequential update of MSC.448(99). 

Review and revision of the IMO compendium on facilitation and
electronic business, including additional e-business solutions

FAL 50 reviewed the progress of the IMO Compendium and agreed that it constitutes permanent and continuous output supporting maritime digitalization, recommending that its costs be included in the regular IMO budget from 2028. The Committee approved the updated version of the IMO Compendium, including revised and newly developed IMO data sets, sub‑models and code lists. FAL 50 instructed the Expert Group on Data Harmonization (EGDH 14) to prepare additional data elements and sub‑models for approval by FAL 51.

The Committee also agreed on continued work on high‑level business process flows and descriptions for IMO data sets, and reestablished the Correspondence Group, with reporting to FAL 51.

FAL 50 informed about of the IMO Compendium Code List Platform recently developed (https://imocompendium.portnet.ma/) and invited member states to test it and provide feedback.

List of publications relevant to the ship-to-port interface
(FAL.6/Circ.14/Rev.2)

FAL 50 approved a revised list of existing publications relevant to the ship-to-port interface in the draft circular FAL.6/Circ.14/Rev.3.

Recommendations

DNV recommends noting the agreed amendments to the FAL
Convention, as follows:

  • The inclusion of cybersecurity measures for safeguarding Single Windows, as obligations of the member states
  • The amendment concerning the provision of vaccinations, and access to medical care during a public health emergency, as obligations of the member states

DNV recommends customers in the passenger ship and ferry segments to specifically note the draft amendments to the FAL Convention regarding the reporting of API and BRI, as intended obligations of maritime operators.

DNV recommends customers to note the development of a non-mandatory Maritime Cyber Code.

DNV recommends customers to note the revised guidelines on prevention of access by stowaways.