Upon discovery that the National Iranian Tanker Company has reflagged some of its vessels with Tanzania and Tuvalu, the US has taken action in urging the registries to drop the vessels.
In light of South Africa considering introducing cabotage regulations along with similar protectionist measures being adopted by China and Korea, an industry commentator has written that cabotage laws still introduce more costs than benefits.
The Red Ensign flag states are now able to register vessels of all types up to 400 gross tons, following the Red Ensign Group's conference on the Isle of Man in May.
Secretary General of the Paris MoU Richard Schiferli explains that political sanctions do not affect a registry's placement on its White, Grey, or Black List.
Thanassis Martinos of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime has proposed a European Union flag "based on a tonnage-tax regime but allowing payment of taxes in the sovereign state."
While South Africa has promised to introduce a tonnage tax regime in early 2013, some are skeptical of whether the country will be able to do so by that date.
