The Royal Association of Netherlands Shipowners (KVNR) has revealed that several dozen vessels are fraudulently flying the flags of Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao. These ships, believed to be part of the so-called “shadow fleet,” are operating under false registrations, raising alarm over safety, environmental, and legal risks.
Flags Without Registers
KVNR’s weekly checks in August 2025 uncovered that a fluctuating number of vessels are sailing under the flags of Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao. However, none of these territories maintain a flag register for sea-going vessels or issue valid Certificates of Registry, making the practice fraudulent. This development is particularly concerning for Dutch shipowners who are legitimately entitled to fly the Kingdom flag.
Safety, Labour, and Environmental Risks
KVNR has voiced concerns over the implications of such fraudulent flagging. The shadow fleet often includes older vessels in questionable technical condition, particularly oil tankers, which heightens the risk of environmental incidents. Additionally, seafarers working aboard these ships may face unsafe conditions and poor labour standards, with limited oversight to ensure compliance with international regulations.
The Dutch government has reported these practices to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and continues to work with Caribbean authorities to curb fraudulent flag use. Aruba, Sint Maarten, and Curaçao have also urged foreign port authorities to detect such ships and pursue criminal action where necessary.
The issue underscores the urgent need for tighter global cooperation in safeguarding maritime safety, environmental protection, and fair competition.
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Source: Safety4Sea
