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Comoros Islands Aims to Be First Islamic Flag State - Nations & States - Global Policy Forum Comoros Islands Aims to Be First
Islamic Flag StateBy David Osler
Lloyd's List
January 19, 2001
The Comoros Islands, branding itself the world's first Islamic flag of convenience, has become the latest country to enter the open registry sector. The small island chain, situated about two-thirds of the way between Madagascar and Mozambique, clearly has its eyes on the shipping big league and believes that it is now in direct competition with the world's main flags of convenience.
But detractors will point out that it is hardly a paragon of political stability. Up to last year the country had endured 19 coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from France in 1975. It is also beset with secessionist claims. In 1997 the islands of Anjouan and Moheli declared independence unilaterally. The government was not able to assert its authority over the breakaway entity and it is not clear if the rebels are backing the open register plan.
It is also fair to say that the country has not hitherto been regarded as a maritime giant. On the most recent figures available, the Comoran merchant fleet last year comprised five vessels, compared with none in 1999.
This tends to suggest that the country's fledgling registry may not be able to boast a depth of experience. Nevertheless, the Comorans clearly have high hopes for the project. A statement from the Central Office of the Maritime Administration of the Islamic Republic of Comoros announced:is a significant move which will have the support of Islamic countries all over the world. "The Comoros open shipping registry will compete with other open shipping registries like Channel Islands, Panama, Cyprus, Bahama (sic), St Vincent, etc."
Up to a point, anyway. The Channel Islands does not operate a register. But doubtless the others will be losing sleep at the prospect of a strong new competitor entering the market. Predictably, the announcement has met with some scepticism, particularly from the International Transport Workers' Federation.
ITF general secretary David Cockroft said: "New year begins with the sound of barrels being scraped. It is difficult to see what the Comoros can add to the cut-throat end of the market. This will in no way enhance the quality of the shipping industry."
The new registry is to be based in Sharjah.
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