The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has published the latest Flag State Performance Table (2020/2021) which finds that many of the largest flag states – including the Marshall Islands, Hong Kong (China), Singapore as well as the Bahamas and Cyprus– continue to perform to an exceptionally high standard, with traditional flags and open registers performing equally well, reads a press release by ICS.
Flag states performance
Amongst the 10 largest ship registers (by dead weight tonnage), covering more than 70% of the world fleet, none have more than two indicators of potentially negative performance, and five have no negative indicators at all.
In particular, the level of performance of many of the largest flag States – including Marshall Islands, Hong Kong, Singapore as well as the Bahamas and Cyprus – continues to be very positive.
The table clearly indicates that distinctions between ‘traditional’ flags and open registers are no longer meaningful, with many open registers among the very top performers alongside several European registers, and flags such as Japan, which are all expected to perform well.
“The Table clearly indicates that distinctions between ‘traditional’ flags and open registers are no longer meaningful. Alongside several European registers, and flags such as Japan, we have seen many open registers amongst the very top performers,” ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten, noted.
ICS Flag State Performance Table
Nevertheless, a number of smaller flag States still have a lot of work to do to address indicators of potential negative performance, and shipowners should consider very carefully the prospect of using these flags, which may be perceived to be sub-standard, the data suggests.
The ICS Flag State Performance Table analyses how the countries included deliver against a number of criteria such as PSC records, ratification of international maritime Conventions and attendance at IMO meetings.
Note: Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the previous period’s Flag State Performance Table (2019/2020) was not published, so ICS has published the relevant PSC data on the last page of the report.
Find the tables here.
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Source: ICS
