Egypt’s Maritime Transport Sector Issues New Directives To Regulate Maritime Single Window Submissions
Shipping Arabia, May 6, 2025 — The Maritime Transport Sector of Egypt has announced a new set of guidelines aimed at regulating agency registration and vessel declarations on the Maritime Single Window (MSW) platform. This initiative seeks to safeguard the rights of authorized shipping agencies and prevent procedural violations at Egyptian ports.
The new directive addresses recent issues where shipping agencies submitted vessel arrival declarations without proper authorization from shipowners. These premature submissions on the MSW platform, made before the rightful agent was appointed, have caused operational disruptions and financial penalties for the authorized agencies, which were subsequently barred from entering declarations under their names.
To mitigate these issues, the Maritime Transport Sector now mandates that agencies upload a signed and stamped document titled “Authorization from the Shipowner for the Shipping Agency to Act on Their Behalf for This Voyage” with every vessel arrival submission on the MSW system. Any entries made without this authorization will be rejected.
In cases where a shipowner changes their appointed agent after a declaration has been submitted, the previous agency must cancel the registration on both the MSW platform and the Customs’ MTS system at least 72 hours prior to the vessel’s arrival. This timeframe is intended to allow the newly appointed agency sufficient time to complete necessary formalities. Failure to comply may result in penalties, and repeated violations could lead to disciplinary measures from the Permanent Licensing Committee.
The Transport Sector is also engaging in consultations with shipping agencies at major ports, including Alexandria, Port Said, Suez, Damietta, and along the Red Sea, to facilitate the implementation of these new guidelines. Some agencies have expressed concerns regarding the lack of initial coordination, suggesting that earlier engagement with maritime chambers could have eased the transition process.
These updated protocols follow the rollout of the second phase of Egypt’s MSW system, which went live in mid-2024 across the Suez Canal Economic Zone, Damietta, Alexandria, and the Red Sea. This implementation aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s revised FAL Convention, which mandates all member states to introduce MSW systems by 2024 to streamline ship clearance procedures.
Developed in collaboration with Integrated Port Solutions, Egypt’s national MSW platform (https://egy-msw.mts.gov.eg) facilitates vessel data entry and FAL form submissions. The system’s soft launch included training for port authorities and agency personnel, who tested its features in a trial environment prior to full activation.
To assist with ongoing operations, the Maritime Transport Sector has established a technical helpdesk via email at msw-support@isfpegypt.com, as well as a 24/7 WhatsApp support channel at +201228624946.
