News
The global push for digital transformation in maritime trade has taken a significant step forward with the increasing recognition of ASYHUB Maritime, a cutting-edge digital platform developed by the UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme. The platform, designed to facilitate seamless data exchange in maritime trade, was presented at the 49th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation Committee (FAL 49) , where it received strong support for its role in modernizing trade processes and enhancing compliance with global standards.
Advancing Digitalization in Maritime Trade
The IMO has long prioritized digitalization as a strategic focus to improve trade efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. Under the Facilitation (FAL) Convention, as of January 2024, all ports worldwide are required to implement a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system to enable electronic data submission and exchange. ASYHUB Maritime was developed in response to this requirement, offering a scalable, interoperable, and cost-effective solution for Member States seeking to modernize their port and customs operations.
In an introductory statement at the IMO Plenary on March 11, 2025, UNCTAD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global trade digitalization. The presentation emphasized the strategic advantage of leveraging ASYHUB Maritime, integrating it with the proven ASYCUDAWorld customs system, and aligning it with IMO’s standards for electronic trade facilitation.
Key Features of ASYHUB Maritime
ASYHUB Maritime is an open, cloud-based platform designed to improve efficiency in maritime trade operations by addressing longstanding challenges, such as manual documentation processes, fragmented communication, and redundant reporting requirements. The platform includes the following capabilities:
- Advanced Port Call Management – Automates vessel arrival, berthing schedules, port stays, and departure processing.
- Electronic Declaration Submission – Ensures seamless digital submission of FAL 1-7 declarations and other compliance forms.
- Integrated Cargo & Vessel Management – Enhances transparency in cargo tracking, manifest integration, and vessel registration.
- Customizable Risk Assessment – Provides real-time security monitoring and compliance verification.
- Interoperability with Customs Systems– Fully integrated with ASYCUDAWorld with adaptability with any other customs IT system, facilitating smooth customs clearance processes.
- User-Friendly Interface– Designed for ease of use via web and mobile devices, offering multilingual support.
Global Interest and Recognition at IMO
During discussions at FAL 49, Several Member States who are not ASYCUDA users, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, and Norway, expressed interest in the platform’s capabilities. The working group engaged in a detailed Q&A session, reflecting strong interest in ASYHUB Maritime’s long-term sustainability, adaptability, and its ability to function as a standalone system without ASYCUDA. The discussions underscored the platform’s potential to enhance efficiency across diverse maritime environments, with participants exploring ways to maximize its benefits in their respective contexts.
The piloting of ASYHUB Maritime in Cambodia and Sri Lanka demonstrated substantial improvements in customs and port operational efficiency. Specifically, customs authorities benefited from accurate, timely, and complete cargo information directly from the data originators, enhancing risk assessment accuracy and significantly accelerating cargo clearance processes. Moreover, the ongoing rollouts in Albania, Jordan, and Madagascar further reinforce the platform’s scalability, adaptability, and universal applicability, confirming its potential to transform maritime operations on a global scale. Meanwhile, Venezuela is adapting ASYHUB Maritime to its national requirements, leveraging the platform as a foundation for developing its Maritime Single Window (MSW) solution.
A Strategic Solution for Maritime Single Window Compliance
One of ASYHUB Maritime’s core objectives is to help governments meet their regulatory obligations under the IMO Facilitation Convention. The platform aligns with IMO’s Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, ensuring a standardized approach to electronic trade documentation.
Moreover, its design follows the ‘reporting once’ principle, reducing the administrative burden on shipping operators while strengthening collaboration between customs authorities and port officials.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Functionalities and Global Adoption
Building on the momentum from the IMO meeting, UNCTAD has outlined an implementation roadmap that includes:
- Scaling ASYHUB Maritime functionalities to support additional FAL 8-13 declarations, including the Maritime Declaration of Health and Waste Notification Forms.
- Expanding integration with global systems, such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) for vessel tracking and eCITES for monitoring wildlife trade.
- Providing comprehensive training programs to build capacity among customs officials and maritime authorities.
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures to safeguard trade data integrity.
As digital transformation in maritime trade accelerates, ASYHUB Maritime is poised to become a cornerstone of modern port operations, offering a flexible, scalable, and internationally recognized solution for digital trade facilitation.
The global push for digital transformation in maritime trade has taken a significant step forward with the increasing recognition of ASYHUB Maritime, a cutting-edge digital platform developed by the UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA Programme. The platform, designed to facilitate seamless data exchange in maritime trade, was presented at the 49th session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Facilitation Committee (FAL 49) , where it received strong support for its role in modernizing trade processes and enhancing compliance with global standards.
Advancing Digitalization in Maritime Trade
The IMO has long prioritized digitalization as a strategic focus to improve trade efficiency and reduce administrative burdens. Under the Facilitation (FAL) Convention, as of January 2024, all ports worldwide are required to implement a Maritime Single Window (MSW) system to enable electronic data submission and exchange. ASYHUB Maritime was developed in response to this requirement, offering a scalable, interoperable, and cost-effective solution for Member States seeking to modernize their port and customs operations.
In an introductory statement at the IMO Plenary on March 11, 2025, UNCTAD reaffirmed its commitment to supporting global trade digitalization. The presentation emphasized the strategic advantage of leveraging ASYHUB Maritime, integrating it with the proven ASYCUDAWorld customs system, and aligning it with IMO’s standards for electronic trade facilitation.
Key Features of ASYHUB Maritime
ASYHUB Maritime is an open, cloud-based platform designed to improve efficiency in maritime trade operations by addressing longstanding challenges, such as manual documentation processes, fragmented communication, and redundant reporting requirements. The platform includes the following capabilities:
- Advanced Port Call Management – Automates vessel arrival, berthing schedules, port stays, and departure processing.
- Electronic Declaration Submission – Ensures seamless digital submission of FAL 1-7 declarations and other compliance forms.
- Integrated Cargo & Vessel Management – Enhances transparency in cargo tracking, manifest integration, and vessel registration.
- Customizable Risk Assessment – Provides real-time security monitoring and compliance verification.
- Interoperability with Customs Systems– Fully integrated with ASYCUDAWorld with adaptability with any other customs IT system, facilitating smooth customs clearance processes.
- User-Friendly Interface– Designed for ease of use via web and mobile devices, offering multilingual support.
Global Interest and Recognition at IMO
During discussions at FAL 49, Several Member States who are not ASYCUDA users, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Germany, and Norway, expressed interest in the platform’s capabilities. The working group engaged in a detailed Q&A session, reflecting strong interest in ASYHUB Maritime’s long-term sustainability, adaptability, and its ability to function as a standalone system without ASYCUDA. The discussions underscored the platform’s potential to enhance efficiency across diverse maritime environments, with participants exploring ways to maximize its benefits in their respective contexts.
The piloting of ASYHUB Maritime in Cambodia and Sri Lanka demonstrated substantial improvements in customs and port operational efficiency. Specifically, customs authorities benefited from accurate, timely, and complete cargo information directly from the data originators, enhancing risk assessment accuracy and significantly accelerating cargo clearance processes. Moreover, the ongoing rollouts in Albania, Jordan, and Madagascar further reinforce the platform’s scalability, adaptability, and universal applicability, confirming its potential to transform maritime operations on a global scale. Meanwhile, Venezuela is adapting ASYHUB Maritime to its national requirements, leveraging the platform as a foundation for developing its Maritime Single Window (MSW) solution.
A Strategic Solution for Maritime Single Window Compliance
One of ASYHUB Maritime’s core objectives is to help governments meet their regulatory obligations under the IMO Facilitation Convention. The platform aligns with IMO’s Compendium on Facilitation and Electronic Business, ensuring a standardized approach to electronic trade documentation.
Moreover, its design follows the ‘reporting once’ principle, reducing the administrative burden on shipping operators while strengthening collaboration between customs authorities and port officials.
Looking Ahead: Expanding Functionalities and Global Adoption
Building on the momentum from the IMO meeting, UNCTAD has outlined an implementation roadmap that includes:
- Scaling ASYHUB Maritime functionalities to support additional FAL 8-13 declarations, including the Maritime Declaration of Health and Waste Notification Forms.
- Expanding integration with global systems, such as Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) for vessel tracking and eCITES for monitoring wildlife trade.
- Providing comprehensive training programs to build capacity among customs officials and maritime authorities.
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures to safeguard trade data integrity.
As digital transformation in maritime trade accelerates, ASYHUB Maritime is poised to become a cornerstone of modern port operations, offering a flexible, scalable, and internationally recognized solution for digital trade facilitation.