Changing Flags

Rio Tinto has announced plans to transfer its fleet from the UK to Singapore flag for economic and practical purposes.

TradeWinds reports:

Representatives from Fehn Ship Management and the Latvian Maritime Authority met last week, with discussions leading to the ship management company deciding to transfer at least two vessels to the Latvian flag over the next few months.

Fehn reports:

Finnish operator Viking Lines has seen an increase in profits resulting from reflagging two of its vessels last year.

Fairplay reports:

Viking Line sees improved 2013

International Shipholding Corporation is considering transferring additional vessels from the US to foreign flags.

TradeWinds reports:

An internal reorganization within the Grimaldi Group and its daughter companies will see the Finnish registry acquire a vessel from Germany.

Fairplay reports:

Finnlines reorganises operations

Indian based Varun Shipping has transferred five anchor-handling vessels from the national registry to the Cyprus flag.

TradeWinds reports:

Varun's move pays off

Sweden is reconsidering implementation of a tonnage tax after seeing its fleet flag out to other Scandinavian registries.

The Swedish fleet stands at a crossroads as it sees its numbers decline while Finland is experiencing an uptick in registrations. Fairplay reports:

Sweden’s flag fall swells Finnish coffers

After spending the past year concealing their identity through changing their vessels' names and flags, Iranian shipping companies are being left with little choice but to return to their domestic register.