UK FLAG REACHES 18 MILLION GROSS TONNES

In June the UK Flag passed the 18 million gross tonnes (GT) mark for the first time since 1983.

The UK Flag has grown approximately 165% since 2001, having now reached the 18 million GT mark. During the 1980’s and 1990’s the UK Flag went through a period of decline, falling as low as 4 million GT.  Since 2001 the UK Flag has made a tremendous recovery.

So far during 2011 there have been 58 new ship registrations with a combined gross tonnage of 2 million GT.  Of these new registrations 42 were new builds, whilst the remainder transferred in from other flags.  The average age of vessels flagging-in so far this year is 4 years, whilst the average age of vessels leaving the register is 16.

Recently appointed Head of UKSR, Debasis Mazumdar said:

“I am extremely pleased that the UK Ship Register has reached the 18 million GT mark.  However, it is important that this growth continues with quality owners and quality ships in the future, and it is certainly our aspiration to do so.  The UK Flag has recently moved up to 4th place on the Paris MoU White List and has also regained its Qualship 21 status.  These achievements highlight our commitment to quality as well as growth for the UK Fleet.”

A recent addition to the UK Flag that has contributed to this growth is the ‘Freja Andromeda’, an oil/chemical Tanker owned by Lauritzen Tankers A/S and technically managed by Wallem Shipmanagement Hong Kong.  This ship joined the UK Ship Register on 5 May 2011.  This is the second new build tanker, following ‘Freya Pegasus’ (Oct 2010) and, more recently, ‘Freja Taurus’ (June 2011) to join the UK Ship Register.

All were constructed in Guangzhou Shipyard, China and the ship building and registration went smoothly thanks to excellent teamwork between the Customer Service Manager, Customer Account Manager, lead surveyor and vessel interests.

At the end of June 2011 the UK Ship Register stands at 1,486 ships with a gross tonnage of 18,054,301.  The UK is the eleventh largest merchant fleet in the world.

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