IMO Identifies 529 False-Flagged Ships Ahead Of Key Legal Sub-Committee Meeting

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has identified 529 vessels operating under false flags, placing ship registration fraud at the centre of next month’s Legal Sub-Committee meeting (LEG 113).

The findings, circulated ahead of the session, show the number has risen since LEG 112 and underline weaknesses in global flag state verification systems.

Of the 529 vessels recorded, 356 are not classed by any classification society.

The data was compiled with verification support from S&P Global and published on the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS) platform.

The IMO secretariat reported that more than two-thirds of the falsely flagged ships are not classed by any recognised classification society.

The list breaks down cases by claimed flag state and vessel type, covering tankers, bulk carriers, containerships and smaller craft.

The issue is not limited to a single region. Submissions from governments and industry stakeholders show cases spread across Africa, Europe, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Several states reported fraudulent websites and forged ship registration documents.

The Netherlands identified two fake websites claiming to issue Sint Maarten certificates. Authorities confirmed 17 vessels were falsely flying the Sint Maarten flag.

France reported a bogus maritime administration webpage linked to Matthew Island, though no ships were identified in that case.

Malawi uncovered a fake Malawi Ship Registry and informed INTERPOL. Its tally of falsely flagged vessels fell from 27 in September 2025 to eight at the time of reporting.

Timor-Leste and Lesotho notified the IMO that they do not operate international registries after fraudulent certificates surfaced in their names.

The United Kingdom raised concerns over vessels misusing Bermuda MMSI numbers while presenting themselves as commercial fishing ships, in breach of Bermuda law.

Benin initially reported 33 falsely flagged ships after discovering a fake maritime administration website. Follow-up checks reduced the number to 13.

The Gambia removed 72 ships from its registry after identifying forged certificates and imposed a moratorium on new registrations.

Additional submissions revealed 17 vessels broadcasting AIS details linked to Botswana, despite Botswana not operating a ship registry.

Seventeen vessels were also found carrying fraudulent crew-boat certificates associated with Mali.

Guinea rejected claims that an entity called Alfa Register of Shipping had been authorised to act on its behalf. Authorities identified 39 ships flying a false Guinea flag.

Tonga’s situation drew particular attention. Its international registry was terminated in 2002. The Tongan government recently stated that foreign vessels using its flag should be treated as stateless under international law. Thirteen tankers were identified in connection with the false use of the Tongan flag.

Comoros reported multiple fraudulent webpages and forged certificates. After verification, 83 vessels remain recorded as falsely flying the Comoros flag.

The IMO’s data table also attributes significant numbers to Guyana (74), Aruba (35) and Curaçao (32), along with smaller figures across other states and territories.

Ships sailing under bogus registries may avoid safety inspections, evade sanctions or obscure ownership details. The fact that 356 of the identified vessels are not classed increases concern within the maritime community.

The IMO secretariat is expected to ask the Legal Committee to consider additional measures to prevent unlawful ship registration practices and strengthen verification processes.

The aim is to close loopholes that allow vessels to operate anonymously under false national identities.

References: shipuniverse, seasnews

Source: Maritime Shipping News