The St. Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) says the island is expected to gain several benefits after a decision to implement an open ship registry allowing for companies or people from another countries to register their vessels under that nation’s flag.
According to local media, the SALSPA said that the decision follows a thorough review of the Shipping Amendment Act and that “registering a ship gives nationality to the ship and similar to nationality, allows the ship to travel internationally wherever that country’s citizens are authorized to travel and thus are bound by the country’s laws”.
It said that every vessel that wants to travel internationally and cross international borders must be registered. The authorities said the island is expected to gain several benefits from the implementation of an open ship registry. It said there are other regulations which are currently being reviewed and exciting changes are expected in the near future which will benefit the maritime sector and St.Lucians alike.
