Hundreds of Tankers Sailing Under Invalid Flags
It is reported that hundreds of tankers operating in international maritime trade are sailing under invalid or fake flag information, and that despite increased inspections, the practice remains widespread.
se in Tankers Using Fake Flags
Approximately 300 tankers operating in international maritime trade have been found sailing under invalid or fake flag registrations. Despite increased inspections and sanctions in recent times, the use of fraudulent flags remains widespread, particularly among so-called “shadow fleet” tankers.
AIS Data Reveals False or Untraceable Registries
By the end of the year, around 285 tankers were reported to be broadcasting false or unidentifiable flag information via the Automatic Identification System (AIS). A significant portion of these vessels had previously been subject to various international sanctions.
Frequent Offenders: Guinea, Netherlands Antilles, Guyana, and Aruba
The most commonly encountered fake flag registries include Guinea, the Netherlands Antilles, Guyana, and Aruba. These registries are either not recognized by international ship registration systems or are no longer operational in practice.
Legal and Commercial Frameworks Undermined
Authorities warn that the use of fake flags undermines the legal and commercial foundations of global maritime transport. Without a responsible flag state, vessels may bypass essential processes such as insurance, classification, and inspection.
Western Nations Tighten Inspections
In recent weeks, Western countries have ramped up inspections targeting shadow fleet vessels. Numerous tankers have been boarded, detained, or subjected to thorough investigations in various regions. These actions are seen as the beginning of a stricter era aimed at curbing the use of fraudulent flags.
Nations Distance Themselves from Unauthorized Vessels
Some countries are openly distancing themselves from foreign vessels falsely claiming to sail under their flags. An increasing number of nations are publicly declaring that certain ships operating internationally are not registered under their official registries.
Experts Warn of Global Maritime Security Risks
Experts caution that the growing number of vessels operating under fake or non-existent registries poses a serious threat to the integrity of global maritime transport. This trend erodes document reliability, registration systems, and compliance mechanisms—ultimately jeopardizing the safe and predictable functioning of the industry.
