This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Isle of Man Ship Registry (IOMSR) which is to be celebrated with a series of events as the Douglas based registry seeks to cement its position as one of the world’s most progressive flag states.
Signature events planned by the IOMSR are to take place during the first Isle of Man Maritime Conference held in the Manx capital on July 19 and at Trinity House's central office in London this September to thank its clients and partners and present its vision for the future.
Cameron Mitchell, Director of IOMSR has said it is vital that the registry continues to lead by example as a Category 1 member of the Red Ensign Group, representing more than a third of tonnage under the Red Ensign. He said safety, seafarer welfare and decarbonization are the pillars of future growth.
“Since establishing in 1984 we have grown by being a quality flag of choice,” he said.
“Today, quality is constantly being tested by advanced technology and pressures being exerted on the maritime industry. Shipowners and operators as a result need more from their flag states particularly in how we care for our seafarer’s mental health and well-being. Without ensuring the psychological and physical safety of our seafarers our industry will struggle to implement effective equality, diversity and inclusion standards, policies and procedures."
"Meeting the IMO 2050 GHG targets will require greater data transparency and collaboration across maritime. Flag states cannot be passive bystanders we must be at the heart of taking positive action as a dynamic partner. In recent years, we have continued our commitment to innovation, becoming the first flag state to offer reduced registration fees for ships deploying green technology. We are also the first flag state to join the Getting to Zero Coalition which is driving the decarbonisation agenda.”
Mr Mitchell paid tribute to the Isle of Man’s vibrant maritime industry.
“The last 40 years has seen the IOMSR diversify and grow along with the Isle of Man Maritime cluster around us,” he said. “Our growth would not have been possible without the support of countless people and businesses who make up the island’s maritime cluster including ship and yacht management, crew management, insurance, IT, law, cyber security, professional services and finance. The Isle of Man gets maritime and always welcomes maritime businesses from around the world.
The Isle of Man became an International Register of Ships in 1984 with the creation of the Isle of Man Marine Administration. The International Register was established to provide a high quality alternative British Register for UK and European Ship Owners and Operators.
The Isle of Man Government established the Marine Administration to diversify the Island’s economy. Its creation acted as a nucleus for maritime business in the Isle of Man, with many of the Internationally respected blue chip Ship Owners and Operators relocating parts of their respective organisations to the Isle of Man, recognising the key benefits the island nation had to offer.
