Tuvalu Ship Registry
The Tuvalu Ship Registry is the body appointed by the government of Tuvalu to register ships under the Tuvalu flag.
Function
The responsibilities of the Registry include:[1]
- The registration and licensing of ships
- The certification of seafarers
- The inspection of vessels to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Reflagging of Iranian vessels
Tuvalu entered the international spotlight in 2012 when ships that were sailing under the flag of Iran were registered in the Tuvalu Ship Registry. In response to the European boycott of Iranian oil exports over Iran's nuclear policy, a number of oil tankers changed to Tuvalu flags.[2] According to Radio Australia, this could lead to unforeseen consequences for the small nation.[3] The Iranian vessels were accepted by Tuvalu Ship Registry as they were earlier flagged under Malta and Cyprus flags which were well-known reputable flags. However, upon further understanding that the vessels were actually sanctioned by the US and EU, the Government of Tuvalu took swift action to instruct the Tuvalu Ship Registry to de-register all possible Iranian-linked vessels on 16 August 2012. The Iranian-linked vessels were de-registered by 21 September 2012 and press releases of the actions taken by the Tuvalu Ship Registry are posted on its website.[4][5][6][7][8][9] The Iranian vessels were later rumored to have gone to other flags such as Tanzania, Mongolia and others.
References
- ^ About Tuvalu Ship Registry. Tuvalu Ship Registry, 2012. Retrieved 27 August 2012. Archived here.
- ^ "Tuvalu signs up Iran's oil tankers". 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ "Tuvalu could face problems with Iranian tankers flying its flag". 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
- ^ www.tvship.com
- ^ "Tuvalu Ship Registry - Press Release 16 August 2012" (PDF).
- ^ "Tuvalu Ship Registry - Press Release 10 September 2012" (PDF).
- ^ "Tuvalu Ship Registry - Press Release 21 September 2012" (PDF).
- ^ "Tuvalu Ship Registry - Press Release 22 November 2012" (PDF).
- ^ "Tuvalu Ship Registry - Press Release 26 November 2012" (PDF).
External links
- Effect of sanctions 'like war' says Iran's Ahmadinejad at WikiNews, 2012.
- Tuvalu Ship Registry Official Website.
- Tuvalu Ship Registry Press Release relating to Iranian vessels 16 August 2012.
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