A National Maritime Single Window is an electronic platform that facilitates the exchange of information between government agencies and the shipping industry. It serves as a centralized system for reporting and processing maritime transport-related information, including cargo, vessel, crew, and port details. As of January 1, 2024, all public authorities of International Maritime Organization (IMO) member states are required to establish, maintain, and use such systems in ports.
Georgian ports including the Port of Batumi, Port of Poti, the Kulevi Terminal and the Supsa Terminal handle an annual cargo throughput of 50 million tonnes and 2.2 million TEU, and currently lack from a multiport data information exchange platform.
The importance of a project of this supranational scale is reflected in its governance structure. Funded by Department of State’s Export Control and Border Security (EXBS) program and managed by International Crime Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) of the US Department of Justice (DOJ), the project is being operationalized by Amentum to be commissioned and managed in the future by the MTA as owner of the Georgia MSW.
HPC, in partnership with software provider Prodevelop and local Plisk Consulting, emerged victorious from a competitive tender process issued by EXBS. Their collective expertise will encompass defining, designing, developing, and implementing the National Maritime Single Window for Georgia. The scope of HPC's work covers process definition, requirement engineering, and software implementation support in compliance with IMO regulations.
During the stakeholder workshop in July, Aleksi Akhvlediani, the recently appointed new Director of the MTA, highlighted the value of the initiative, stating, “By adopting the National Maritime Single Window, we are actively pursuing increased efficiency and attractiveness to the logistics industry. This step represents a significant advancement in Georgia’s digital supply chain infrastructure and is a crucial development for our economic growth and Georgia’s geopolitical significance of the Middle Corridor.”
Nuno Nunes, Project Lead at HPC, emphasized the value of inclusion and effectiveness of such a digital data exchange system, stating, "The collaboration provided by a National Maritime Single Window enables better support to the private sector by facilitating faster governmental agency interventions in processes. This results in more efficient customs procedures, enhanced transparency in import and export operations, and supports integration between Asia and Europe."
The implementation of a Maritime Single Window will be instrumental in developing the middle corridor. By digitizing cargo information exchange, it significantly enhances efficiency and cost-effectiveness, particularly when faced with the complexities and transitions associated with multiple border controls. Georgia's proactive approach should serve as an example for others to follow.
HPC recognizes the importance of including all stakeholders in this transformative initiative. As a strategic partner, HPC is committed to ensuring fostering an inclusive and seamless integration process. HPC boasts extensive, global experience in supporting governments and port authorities in implementing state-of-the-art collaboration platforms, including national maritime single window systems and port community systems.
