The Jamaican Flag is growing as new services entice European owners to register under its colourful pennant.
Over the first quarter of 2009 the Flag has added 35,669 gross tons through the signing of six new German-owned and managed container vessels. The registering in Cartagena of the CFS Palencia represented the completion of the signing under the Jamaica Flag of the whole CFS fleet, owned and operated by the Harren & Partner Group.
Welcoming the new additions, Harold Kropp, the Jamaica Ship Registry’s German Deputy Registrar, said: “We think this is the beginning of a close partnership between the Jamaica Ship Registry and German shipowners and we expect further tonnage to join us later this year.”
Over recent months the Jamaica Ship Registry has been strengthening its network of regional offices as well as offering enhanced services to its owners. New measures include a cadet scheme whereby the Flag assists owners in placing cadets from the Caribbean Maritime Institute on their ship and a lay-up scheme where the Registry is able to offer assistance with crewing.
Currently there are 68 merchant vessels and 664 small craft registered under the Jamaica Flag which equates to a tonnage of 264,392.34 GRT. Determined to press on with its expansion plans, Jamaica has set itself the target of 1million GRT within the next four years.
