The UK Takes Lead in Combatting Fraudulent Ship Flagging

In a bold move to tackle the rising issue of falsely flagged ships, the United Kingdom is spearheading a bid at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Backed by 21 other countries, the UK has submitted a proposal to the IMO’s legal committee, highlighting the alarming increase in falsely flagged vessels.

The report reveals that the number of falsely flagged ships has more than doubled to 223 within a mere 22-month period, with tankers and general cargo ships being the primary culprits. The UK emphasizes the detrimental impact of fraudulent ship registration on maritime safety, security, environmental concerns, and most importantly, the welfare of seafarers aboard these deceitfully registered vessels.

One of the key findings of the investigation points to the lack of resources in many flag states, coupled with the outsourcing of flag administration by some countries, as contributing factors to the proliferation of falsely flagged ships.

The UK’s proposal calls for the establishment of guidelines to support flags and developing states in enhancing registration quality and standards, thereby mitigating the risk of fraud in the maritime industry.

Prior to the previous year’s legal committee meeting, the IMO secretariat issued warnings regarding two shipping registries deemed fraudulent, purportedly operating under the flags of Guyana and Eswatini, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these registries.