redensign

The UK Chamber has welcomed changes by the UK Ship Register (UKSR) that will allow owners from a broader group of countries to register their vessels in the UK.

UKSR announced this week that it is to expand its ownership eligibility, allowing more shipping companies from around the world to flag to the UK.
The criteria has been widened beyond the current areas of the UK and Europe to include Commonwealth countries and bring the UK in line with the Red Ensign Group.

Director of the UK Ship Register Richard Parkes said, “This change will now allow the UK flag to attract first class ships and owners who have their company based outside of the UK. They too will be able to benefit from exceptional service and a global reputation”. 

Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “The UK should be proud of its maritime offer, both to homegrown companies and those from around the world.  “The UK flag stands as a beacon of quality – from safety to employment conditions to environmental standards – and I’m pleased that the UK Ship Register is being proactive and ambitious as it seeks as greater slice of the pie in a competitive global market place.  We encourage shipowners to look at the UK flag with fresh eyes.”

Benefits that UK flag customers receive include: 24/7 dedicated account managers, the Enhanced Authorisation Scheme which allows all survey/audits to be delegated to one of our approved Recognised Organisations and flexible package fee options for registration, inspection and certification, designed to suit customer needs and the demands of worldwide shipping.

The UKSR has also introduced a system for bareboat charter-out, so that ships can temporarily reflag for the period of a charter-party before returning to the UK flag when that agreement ends.

Source: ukchamberofshipping.com