Digital Vessel Clearance System (VCS)

The Mauritius Ports Authority (MPA) has launched a digitalized system to optimize the electronic exchange of information for ships clearance, eliminating the administrative burden that currently requires local shipping agents to submit around 57 documents per ship call. 

The Vessel Clearance System (VCS) is a centralized on-line system that will henceforth allow shipping agents and stakeholders to electronically exchange information and obtain arrival, and departure clearance by using a single window

It is mandatory for vessels arriving at or departing from Port Louis harbour to obtain clearance from several public authorities, in line with regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Vessels are required to comply with measures relating to safety, security and environmental requirements, seaworthiness, insurance, type and classification of cargo including the movement of dangerous goods, health of crew members, among others.  Moreso,Mauritius is a signatory member of the IMO.

VCS also complies with IMO’s Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic that makes it obligatory for all ports to use of a single window for data exchange as from January 2024.