BELMOPAN, Belize (CMC) — The Belize Port Authority (BPA) says it has embarked on enhancing its operations through several modernisation initiatives as the country prepares for the upcoming International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit (IMSAS) in November this year.

In a statement, the BPA said that it was aware of comments on a recent talk show, but that it wanted to reassure the country of its “commitment to continuous improvement” and that one such ongoing project is the development of a Maritime Single Window (MSW) platform in collaboration with Barbados Port Incorporation.

“This project will facilitate the smooth movement of vessels within Belize, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of the International Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention),” the BPA said.

The BPA said that while it has been in communication with other entities for further enhancement through modernisation, “we have not entered into any contractual arrangements with any other entity for the completion of its modernisation plan”.

In May 2023, the BPA said it was working with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to craft a national maritime transport policy. It said the framework includes strengthening areas such as transportation, safety, shipping, and port development.