EMEA News
IMO Moves Forward with Electronic Certificate Plans
In a step towards greater efficiency for the industry, the Danish Maritime Authority says the UN International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Facilitation Committee (FAL) has approved an updated set of guidelines for the use of electronic certificates.
“The IMO is sending a clear signal that port State control inspectors, vetting companies and other maritime players should accept the new e-certificates just as well as paper certificates,” said Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority.
The decision follows the conclusion of trials of electronic certificates by the Danish Maritime Authority and DFDS A/S (DFDS).
“It is about time that the maritime world changes from burdensome paper certificates to modern electronic certificates,” said Thomas Mørk, Vice President of Marine Standards at DFDS.
The Danish Maritime Authority said the pilot project had shown that “there are savings to be gained both in terms of time and money, just as there are no major technical or legal barriers to getting started.”
But acceptance internationally will be important before widescale use of e-certificates is a reality.
“The task consists, first and foremost, in gaining international acceptance of the fact that electronic certificates are superior to paper certificates in all areas,” said the Danish Maritime Authority.
Earlier this year, the Danish Maritime Authority announced plans to tackle non-compliance with new Emissions Control Area rules.
