The legislative framework governing modern shipping is ever-changing and increasingly complex. Whether safety or environmental legislation, the challenge facing any shipowner/operator is to understand the detail of the legislation, ensure compliance, and prepare for the future.

That is why owners and operators are turning to the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Registry (the “Registry”). Shipowners rely on the expert knowledge and professionalism of the international team in helping to decipher regulations and overcome challenges - meaning that the Registry continues to grow.

The Registry has maintained its white list status with the port State control (PSC) regimes and held its place as the second largest registry in the world, surpassing 4,351 vessels and 159 million gross tons at the end of April 2018. The RMI flag remains the largest foreign flag overall in Greece in terms of deadweight tonnage.

Similarly, the Registry has also seen a series of exciting registrations of groundbreaking vessels from Japanese owners, making them the fifth largest shipowning group in the RMI. The RMI is also now the world’s leading registry for gas carriers, with 188 LNG and LPG ships under the RMI flag as of April 2018.

The RMI fleet has received the highest ratings in PSC international rankings and is the only major open registry to be included on the White Lists of both the Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and has also met the flag criteria for a low risk ship under the Paris and Tokyo MoU’s New Inspection Regimes. At the same time, the RMI has maintained Qualship 21 status with the United States (US) Coast Guard (USCG) for 14 consecutive years, which is unprecedented.

This growth and continued quality remains largely due to the Registry’s decentralized model and timely service, which is provided by qualified personnel with experience at sea and ashore.

International Registries, Inc. and its affiliates (IRI) provide administrative and technical support to the RMI Maritime and Corporate Registries. IRI believes the success of the Registry is due to its focus on quality, service, and continual improvement, delivered through a network of 28 worldwide offices in major shipping and financial centers.

All offices have the ability to register a vessel, including those under construction, record a mortgage or financing charter, provide technical support, issue seafarer documentation, and service clientele.

The RMI also has an active delegation at the IMO, and maintains a significant role in the shaping of future regulations, particularly with respect to international regulations regarding the condition of ships, ships’ equipment, and operational standards.

IRI’s goal is to provide first class service to owners, operators, and industry stakeholders. The Registry’s proactive approach to the challenges faced by the maritime industry and its focus on investing in the quality of its personnel will continue to sustain the Registry’s expansion and success.