Open Registry Shipping

Summary of Open Registry Shipping

An arrangement under which a nation permits vessels owned by foreigners to be registered under its flag. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that one-third of the world's fleet is operated under open registries. UNCTAD has criticized open registry and urges a stronger link between the nationality of the vessel's owner and the flag flown by the ship.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)