The UK Ship Register (UKSR) has decided to expand its ownership eligibility, allowing more shipping companies from around the world to flag to the UK.
As informed, 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.
“This change will now allow the UK flag to attract first class ships and owners who have their company based outside of the UK,” Richard Parkes, Director of the UK Ship Register, commented.
Separately, the UK Chamber of Shipping welcomed changes to the UK flag eligibility.
“I’m pleased that the UK Ship Register is being proactive and ambitious as it seeks a greater slice of the pie in a competitive global market place. We encourage shipowners to look at the UK flag with fresh eyes,” Bob Sanguinetti, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping said.
UK flag owners receive dedicated account managers, the enhanced authorization scheme which allows all survey/audits to be delegated to one of UKSR approved recognized organizations and flexible package fee options for registration, inspection and certification.
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.
UKSR is part of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA), which is an executive agency of the UK Government’s Department for Transport.