Central American countries approve new maritime facilitation Action Plans

The Action Plans outline a comprehensive modernization of facilitation processes for international maritime traffic. A key component is the enhancement of efforts to implement a Maritime Single Window (MSW), a digital platform that centralizes and simplifies procedures for ship arrival and clearance (departure) at ports.

Each Plan includes identified priority gaps, strategic priorities, specific objectives, and priority activities for implementation, as well as proposed key performance indicators (KPIs), a tentative timeline, and formal channels for technical cooperation requests.

Developed with support from IMO and the Central American Commission on Maritime Transport (COCATRAM), the Action Plans were adopted following National Workshops on Facilitation held in Guatemala City (29-30 September) and San José (2-3 October). The workshops brought together Guatemalan* and Costa Rican** representatives from national authorities, port administrations and private sector stakeholders involved in ship reception and clearance.

During both workshops, participants analysed the results of IMO virtual consultancies focused on information gathering and technical follow-up. National situations on maritime facilitation were also reviewed as part of Phase 3 of the countries' technical assistance cycle, within the framework of efforts to implement a Maritime Single Window (MSW).

Participants in Costa Rica's workshop learned from Guatemala's experience in developing its Maritime Single Window, strengthening regional cooperation toward greater efficiency and transparency in maritime facilitation across Central America.

The Plans align with national and regional maritime priorities and with IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) 2026-2027. They also include mechanisms to monitor progress and ensure effective implementation.

* General Directorate of Captaincies and Coast Guard (DICAPI) of the Ministry of National Defence (MDN), National Port Commission (CPN), Guatemalan Migration Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINEX), Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulation, Chiquita Guatemala S.A., Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (CIV), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA), Ministry of Economy (MINECO), Port of Santo Tomás de Castilla (EMPORNAC), Port of Quetzal, Tax Administration Superintendency (SAT), Regional International Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) and the Shipowners Association of Guatemala.

** Maritime and Port Division of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT), Ministry of Health, Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP), Migration and Immigration Police, Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), Port Administration and Development Board of the Atlantic Coast (JAPDEVA), AMP Terminals Moín and representatives of shipping agencies.