Small is the new BIG
High hopes for Posidonia 2010 minnows
9/6/2010
With a population of just over 12,000 the Polynesian island nation of Tuvalu is the world’s second least populated sovereign nation and some four thousand short of the number of people who will visit this year’s Posidonia 2010, the world’s most prestigious shipping event, where the Pacific Ocean island is one of the participating 87 countries. But instead of being awestruck by the stand and pavilion size of some of his neighbouring exhibitors, S S Tan, a consultant of Tuvalu Ship Registry believes that he is at the right time and the right place to showcase the quality of the flag following its opening to foreign ownership just over six years ago.
The state which in the local language means ‘the cluster of eight islands’, is aggressively promoting its ship registry services to the international maritime community during Posidonia’s 22nd edition currently being held at the Hellenikon Exhibition Centre in Athens’ waterfront.
What they lack in size they have in ambition as all four miniature states are actively investing in expanding their ship registries, both in terms of flag volumes as well as in their offering. St Kitts & Nevis has just launched its yacht registration department in its effort to expand to a new vessel category and complement its existing portfolio of 1,000 ships of different types from Greece, Russia, the UAE, India and Singapore.
And Marshall Islands continue to be one of the world’s leading ship registries ranking third behind Panama and Liberia with a vast client list dominated by Greek and US owners. The nation of 60,000 residents is made up of atolls and islands scattered just north of the Equator and has been a loyal Posidonia exhibitor since 2000. According to Jack Enright, Executive Vice President Vessel Administartion, his organization has already held talks at Posidonia 2010 with a Turkish shipping magnate for a deal encompassing four vessels that he hopes to conclude during the event. “Posidonia has always been a door opener for the Marshall Islands and we hope that by forging stronger relations with the global shipping community we will enhance our portfolio which currently stands at 2,100 vessels with a combined capacity of 57.6 million gross tons.
The registry also announced that it will soon launch offices in Istanbul as part of its international network expansion strategy.
Kissed by the turquoise tropical waters of the Caribbean and nestled between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize has one of the lowest population densities in the world, yet boasts a ship registry representing over 1,000 vessels of different types, from general cargo and bulk carriers to fishing fleets. During its eighth Posidonia outing, the country, which promotes its International Merchant Shipping Registry of Belize (IMMARBE) under the motto ‘the friendly flag of quality’, has built up an impressive network that helps it maintain a leading position in the sector.
“Posidonia has always been at the top of our agenda as a forum where we can meet and network with potential and existing customers and our participation every two years is considered a must as we try to open new markets for IMMARBE in Europe and Asia,” said Annette Garel, Deputy Registrar & Head of Registration Department.
A total of 29 vessel registration organizations from 18 countries are exhibiting in this year’s Posidonia.
Source: Posidonia Events