The rise of the dark fleet has made the issue of enforcement even more important. With a new database, efforts are being made to prevent these ships from changing flags.
The new Registry Information Sharing Agreement, which includes the world’s largest ship registries such as Liberia, Panama and the Marshall Islands, has come together to identify sanction-breaking vessels that frequently change registry and ownership to avoid penalties. Alfonso Castillero, CEO of the Liberia International Ship and Company Registry (LISCR), the world’s largest ship registry, delivered the keynote address at the launch of the Registry Information Sharing Convention (RISC) database at the US State Department.
The joint press conference, held in Washington DC, was sponsored by the US State Department and was attended by numerous embassies representing various flags. The US works closely with maritime registries, including the constituent registries of Liberia, the Marshall Islands and Panama.
CEO Castillero said: “The Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) database marks a significant advance in our joint efforts to protect the integrity and security of global shipping. Through this platform, we are strengthening our defences and working together to maintain the highest standards of compliance and safety.”
RISC enables flag registries to share and investigate information on problematic vessels evading regulations or engaging in suspicious activities. By sharing this data, flag registries can gain greater insight, eliminate risks and prevent flag jumping while under investigation.
