INTERNATIONAL Marine News
More than 200 ships falsely registered under fraudulent flags
The number of ships falsely registered under fraudulent flags has increased, doubling in less than two years which has raised serious concerns about maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. According to a report submitted by the UK to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), over 220 ships are now falsely flagged, compared to 100 vessels two years ago.
Fraudsters are exploiting underfunded maritime authorities and geopolitical instability to keep substandard and sanctioned vessels in operation. These vessels often use fake documents to claim they are registered with legitimate flag states or are linked to fictitious registries that fail to verify ships and their owners properly.
Gothenburg Boat Show has closed after more than 60 years The Gothenburg Boat Show is closing down after being held in
the city for over 60 years. Between February 1-9, the fair was held for the 64th and final time. The organisers report the fair has not been profitable enough.
"The project has developed over time, but for various reasons, the Boat Show has not been profitable enough in recent years. The decision to no longer organize the Boat Show is based on an overall assessment of the situation in the boating industry, the economy, new buying patterns and the demand and needs that exist. Despite attempts to adapt the fair to a changing industry and environment, it has not been enough to increase the project's profitability," says a press release.
"We will not close the doors to a future Boat Show if the situation changes, but at present no more events are planned," says Benny Karlsson, Commercial Director at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre Gothia Towers.
New bill proposes establishment of Nigerian coast guard
Stakeholders and experts from Nigeria's maritime sector have expressed support for the Coast Guard Bill before the country's National Assembly, with many describing the proposed legislation as a boost to the federal government's efforts in securing the maritime space, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said via a press release.
Speaking at a public hearing convened by the Senate Committee on Marine
Transport to discuss the proposed bill for the establishment of the Nigeria Coast Guard, the stakeholders presented varying views on the bill, with the majority supporting the creation of the National Coast Guard.
Dr Olisa Agbakoba, a maritime lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the bill as timely but emphasised the need for professional input to address certain concerns within the draft.
Former NIMASA Director General Dr Ade Dosunmu offered full support for the bill, suggesting that the Nigerian Navy should focus on blue-water operations and national defence against external threats, while the coast guard should address maritime crimes and incidents along the nation’s extensive 855-kilometre coastline using more adaptable resources.
10 | ISSUE 111 | MAR 2025 | THE REPORT
Fully biodegradable shrink wrap set to revolutionise yacht industry
A groundbreaking shrink wrap material by Bioaqualife is making waves in the marine industry. It combines eco- friendly innovation with practical enhancements that simplify boat maintenance and winterisation. Entirely biodegradable and easier to install, this new product promises to transform how boats are protected during off- season or repair work.
Manufactured in the United States, the Bioaqualife shrink wrap addresses one of the most pressing environmental concerns - plastic waste. Unlike conventional shrink wraps made from polymers that resist decomposition, Bioaqualife’s material incorporates a monomer-based plastic. This design allows microbes in landfill environments to consume the plastic, breaking it down into harmless soil within three years. Importantly, this process avoids the issue of microplastics, which are prevalent with traditional materials. Given that over 46,000 tons of shrink wrap are used annually by the six million yachts in the U.S. alone, this innovation offers a significant step toward reducing microplastic pollution in landfills and aquifers.
Beyond its green credentials, the Bioaqualife shrink wrap stands out for its ease of installation. The inclusion of printed centre lines and distance markers at 60cm intervals eliminates guesswork, enabling faster and more accurate alignment. Simon Milne, Bioaqualife’s founder and a former professional yachtsman, emphasised that these features were designed with labour efficiency in mind. By streamlining the installation process, this product reduces labour costs and time - an important factor for large-scale shrink-wrapping projects.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
