Asian Coastal States Join First IMO Workshop to Enhance Ships’ Routeing and Navigation Safety
Government officials and maritime experts from Asian coastal states gathered in Singapore from February 2–6, 2026, for the first IMO workshop on ships’ routeing and ship reporting systems, aiming to strengthen regional expertise in navigational safety, IMO procedures, and effective implementation of maritime traffic management systems. The workshop focused on enhancing safety for coastal States experiencing rising shipping activity and congestion in busy sea lanes.
Ships’ routeing involves following predetermined shipping routes to organize maritime traffic, improve navigational safety, streamline traffic flow, and reduce risks in areas with high vessel density or complex navigation conditions. Participants reviewed existing routeing measures and ship reporting systems, learned to plan and design suitable arrangements for national and international waters, and analyzed traffic patterns and navigational risks to support the justification and implementation of routeing measures.
The program combined theoretical instruction with practical exercises, including visits to the Vessel Traffic Information System (VTIS) operations centre and the Integrated Simulation Centre (ISC) operated by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Participants explored the use of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data to support reporting requirements and reduce reliance on traditional voice reporting, allowing ships to focus on safe navigation.
Sessions emphasized that routeing measures must respect the rights of international shipping under UNCLOS and SOLAS Conventions. The workshop also provided guidance on IMO safety of navigation procedures, reporting obligations, and best practices to prevent marine pollution through effective routeing and reporting systems.
The event was organized under the IMO Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and supported through the IMO-Singapore Third Country Training Programme (TCTP). Participants included sixteen representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The workshop is expected to serve as a model for future regional training initiatives, enhancing maritime safety and navigational efficiency across Asia’s busiest coastal waters.
