ICS updates Flag State Performance table

The latest tables includes new states, Moldova and Sierra Leone, which it says are becoming increasingly popular with a number of shipowners worldwide. According to the tables, the new flag states join the ranks of flags such as Bolivia, Cambodia and Mongolia, which have been experiencing a somewhat patchy performance of late.

ICS says that, in today’s modern global industry, distinctions between traditional flags and open registers are increasingly meaningless and unhelpful. Its latest table highlights the fact that a number of open registers like Liberia and the Bahamas are amongst the top performers alongside many European flags like Japan, Honk Kong and Singapore.

Simon Bennett, director of external relations, ICS, said: “Our table is intended to encourage shipowners to maintain a dialogue with their flag administrations to effect any improvements that might be necessary in the interests of safety, the environment and decent working conditions.”

ICS has stressed that the table information should be regarded only as potential positive indicators and that there may be a valid reason why some states are flagging, for example, too few port calls on certain port state control ‘white lists’, or not yet ratified recently adopted international conventions.

He added: “The absence of a couple of positive indicators is probably not very important. But if a flag is lacking a large number of positive indicators then shipowners may want to ask serious questions.”