SIBU: Some 20 local shipyard owners and shipbuilders attended a seminar on Tuvalu and Kiribati Ship Registration yesterday.
Sarawak and Sabah Shipowners Association (SSSA) president Ting Heng Kiong said local shipbuilders and shipowners should register their ships in Tuvalu or Kiribati.
He explained that the two countries offered many benefits compared to ships registered in Malaysia or Singapore. The Tuvalu and Kiribati Ship Registry, he said, have headquarters in Singapore to take advantage of that country’s excellent communication and financial infrastructure.
“This is aimed at providing the best service and support to ship owners using the Tuvalu or Kiribati flag,” he said.
Both registries started from humble beginnings, he said, but had grown steadily.
“Their ships are also subject to international recognition.”
Meanwhile, Sibu Shipyards Association (SSA) president Lai Kok Leong said ship registration was an important process in the shipbuilding industry.
“Hopefully, we can learn and emulate from each other to better improve our knowledge and together, jointly contribute our knowledge to the shipbuilding and shipping industry.”
Tuvalu, previously known as Ellice Islands, gained independence on Oct 1, 1978, while Kiribati, previously known as the Gilbert Islands, became independent on July 12, 1979. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth, United Nations (UN) and International Maritime Organisation (IMO).