Revised Detention Penalty Framework and Company-Wide Compliance Measures
Circular #018
Date: April 4, 2025
Dear Valued Stakeholders,
In response to the increasing number of detentions involving Vanuatu-flagged vessels at ports falling within the scope of various regional Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs), the Administration is introducing a comprehensive compliance enforcement policy aimed at strengthening both vessel-level and operator-level accountability.
These detentions, recorded under recognized Port State Control regimes—including but not limited to the Paris MOU, Tokyo MOU, Mediterranean MOU, and Black Sea MOU—have necessitated the implementation of the following measures:
Effective immediately, a monetary penalty of USD 7,000 will be imposed for any detention recorded under any MOU jurisdiction. In the event of a subsequent detention involving the same vessel, a higher penalty may be applied without prior notice.
In addition, if more than one detention occurs within vessels linked to the same company— whether involving the same vessel or different vessels that are owned, technically managed, or commercially managed by that company—the Administration will implement further enforcement measures.
The Administration reserves the right to impose an escalated financial penalty and/or initiate additional administrative measures. Such measures may include, but may not be limited to, the assignment of a Flag State Surveyor to confirm full compliance, and verification of closure of previous deficiencies. Other actions may also be taken as deemed necessary by the Administration.
All operators are therefore urged to take proactive measures to strengthen internal safety and compliance protocols, recognizing that the collective performance of their managed fleet directly affects the standing of the Vanuatu flag in international Port State Control regimes.
Should you have any questions or require clarification, please contact the Administration at info@register-vu.com directly.
Warm Regards,
Saade Makhlouf
President and CEO
Vanuatu Logistics and Administrative Services Limited (VLAS)
Administrator of the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR)