UK Ship Register Modernization Begins
The UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) is modernising the way the UK Ship Register operates and a number of new initiatives are in the works that could help the red ensign become more commercial and internationally competitive, says a report from UK Chamber of Shipping.
The MCA is considering increasing the fee structure for the UK Ship Register to above 2016 levels, attendees heard at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Maritime and Ports on Monday.
The registry is working to improve the response time for enquiries to one working day, while for complex issues it will take three working days, the meeting heard. Increasing ship registry fees would match the higher levels of service being offered, the MCA said. The register also plans to roll out a package fee option in April 2018.
A new online ship registry service will be included and will be shown in September at London International Shipping Week (LISW). The MCA hopes the service will be completed by Christmas this year.
Latest data reveals 15.7m gt is registered currently under the UK flag, which is up 9.0% from 2015. The aim is to ultimately reach 30.0m gt.