Isle of Man praised in Paris MOU White List Report

1st July 2006 saw the Isle of Man receive important recognition through the issue of the annual report of the Paris Memorandum on Port State Control, with its published Black-Grey-White List showing the performance of flag states whose ships have been inspected in European ports. This is an internationally recognised ranking in the shipping industry.

Once again, the Isle of Man is ranked highly on the White List, demonstrating the quality of the ships registered in the Isle of Man. A press release, issued by the Paris MOU, makes special mention of the Isle of Man, where it states:

“The White List represents quality flags with a consistently low detention record. Finland, France, Isle of Man, and the United Kingdom, are placed highest in terms of performance.”

The Marine Administration is justifiably proud of its position in the top four of this year’s White List. The target set by the DTI business plan is to maintain a top third position and this years’ White List contains 33 Flag states. Our position is therefore well within our target and demonstrates that Isle of Man ships are being operated and maintained to the highest standards. It reflects the hard work invested by both the Island’s shipping community and the Marine Administration in ensuring that only ships operated by high-quality owners are registered here and that the standards in Isle of Man ships are continuously maintained and improved.

Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Alex Downie said:

“I am delighted to see the Isle of Man placed high on the White List again this year. This is the industry’s global benchmark for excellence, and demonstrates our commitment to quality. I would like to thank the Isle of Man shipping sector and the Marine Administration for their hard work in demanding and maintaining the highest standards of Isle of Man ships. The Marine Administration has recently placed a great deal of emphasis on monitoring of the Isle of Man fleet’s Port State Control performance to secure our quality reputation, and this report justifies the hard work which has been carried out. It further cements the Island’s reputation as one of the world’s premier centres for international shipping”

For further information, please contact Dick Welsh, Director of Marine Administration, on 688509.