Consultation For The Digitalisation Of The Merchant Shipping Directorate – Marine/ Shipping

A Preliminary Market Consultation (PMC) titled “Provision
of a Vessel Management System as part of the Digitalisation of the
Merchant Shipping Directorate” is being launched by the
Merchant Shipping Directorate (MSD) as part of their efforts to
shift services to digital platforms.

The aim of this PMC is to examine market conditions for a Vessel
Management System (VMS) which will include functions already
offered by the existing Fleet Management system as well as new
features. This platform includes an electronic register of vessels
according to the Malta Flag Administration.

The VMS shall consist of:

• A Data and Document Management System;




• A Vessel Management System;




• A Seafarer Management System;




• A Maritime Analytics System.

Other functionalities include:

• A user interface accessible by the public. Through this,
  clients will be able to register, login, apply and pay for services
  digitally;




• A private portal which would enable MSD users to log in and
  process requests for services;




• Form functionalities which will act as online applications for
  services;




• Workflow functionalities will also enable applications to be
  processed in an organised manner;




• Users will also be able to access digital certificates and
  documents from the platform.

This initiative is part of the “Target Digital Maritime
Architecture” or “Global Project”, a project
financed by the European Union under the NextGeneration EU Recovery
and Resilience Facility; Measure Ref. MT-C[C3)-I(I2).

The initiative included an extensive study on the operations of
the Merchant Shipping Directorate, conducted by Transport Malta.
The initial phases of the study have been finalised, while the
third and final phase is currently underway. The first two phases
consisted of an in-depth analysis on operations, through which the
key aspects which needed to be improved were identified. The
requirements needed for the development of the Data and Document
Management System were also discussed at this stage. Currently at
the last phase; technical requirements for the Vessel Management
System and the Maritime Analytics System are being identified.

This new innovation is certainly an exciting new chapter for the
Merchant Shipping Directorate and a step in the right direction for
Shipping and Maritime services in Malta.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.