The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry is no more. In its place as of last Thursday is a new statutory body called the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority.
“We are excited about this transition to a statutory authority and the opportunities it presents for the organisation and our clients,” said VISMA Managing Director John Samuel, who previously headed the registry. “I want to assure our valued customers that this transition will not negatively impact our service levels, and customers will experience no disruption.”
Heralding the change that was formalised last week, Mr. Samuel said it will allow the organisation to enhance its ability to “compete on a global level.”
The transition took effect in phases under the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority Act, 2023, officials have said.
Certain sections of the law that came into force on Dec. 15 created the new authority, and the rest took effect last Thursday, making the agency “fully statutory,” Mr. Samuel previously told the Beacon.
Category One
The new authority is designed in part to help the territory maintain a “fully functional” Category One designation under the British Maritime Administration through consistent compliance with global and United Kingdom standards, according to Government Information Services.
“The new structure also improves the efficiency, resiliency and business flexibility required to compete in the very competitive maritime flagging marketplace,” GIS stated in a press release issued last month.
The agency will be overseen by a board of directors who recently completed orientation and are scheduled to assume their duties on Sept. 1.
Board now in place
The board of directors is chaired by Romney Penn and also includes Deputy Chair Hermia Tench, Albert Wheatley, Berke Ayazli, Rochelle Lawrence, Mitsy Ellis-Simpson and Olanzo Boynes, according to government.
Registrations
Last month, Mr. Penn hinted at plans to expand the territory’s ship-registration sector.
“There are many boats that do not bear our name, and I think we should fully tap into those markets,” he said at the time.
In a statement issued this week, Mr. Samuel praised the new leadership.
“The new structure, guided bythe board of directors, will provide the administrative and executive support necessary for continuous improvement,” he said. “We remain committed to offering the efficient and effective Caribbean-based maritime administration needed to support your vessels globally.”
Getting in touch
To contact the new authority, call 393-000 or send an email to vishipping@bvimaritime.vg.