The number of falsely flagged ships has more than doubled since March 2023, with 223 vessels now flagged as fraudulent in the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS)—up from 110 in early 2023.
A UK-led group of 22 countries has submitted a paper to the IMO’s Legal Committee, highlighting loopholes that fraudsters exploit to register ships under false flags. The report warns that fraudulent registrations pose a serious threat to maritime safety, security, the environment, and seafarers.
Many fraudulently registered ships are oil tankers and general cargo vessels, with some flying multiple false flags within a year. The paper attributes the issue to under-resourced flag states, geopolitical instability, and the outsourcing of flag administration without legally binding agreements.
While some flag states already conduct due diligence using GISIS and Lloyd’s List Intelligence, the group cites complex ownership structures and poor communication as factors fueling flag fraud. Members propose new IMO guidelines to help developing flag states improve registration standards and deter fraud.
However, some members question the effectiveness of such guidelines. Since drafting new due diligence rules is outside the group's remit, they recommend discussing the issue at the IMO’s 112th Legal Committee meeting, with potential guidelines for 2026 (113th session).
Although any new measures would be non-mandatory, they could provide essential support to flag states in ensuring legitimate ship registrations.
