USVI's Innovative Maritime Move: A New International Ship Registry

The U.S. Virgin Islands is involved in a proposal to establish a U.S. international ship registry within its territory. This initiative aims to expand the U.S. commercial shipping fleet under the Trump administration and enhance American maritime capabilities without the restrictions of a traditional U.S. flag registration.

The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is spearheading a proposal to establish a U.S. international ship registry originating from within its borders, according to a statement from Governor Albert Bryan Jr. The initiative, under consideration by the Trump administration, aims to bolster the size and capability of the American-flagged commercial shipping fleet, sources revealed to Reuters last week.

The strategy leverages the USVI's potential to offer a U.S.-controlled flag devoid of the prohibitive costs linked with direct U.S. registration. Eric Dawicki, president of the Center for Ocean Policy and Economics, which submitted the proposal, highlighted the innovation's potential to strengthen America's maritime posture. "We have collaborated with Eric R. Dawicki on this project to propose an innovative solution fortifying American shipping," Governor Bryan stated in a LinkedIn post.

The need to augment U.S.-flagged vessels holds strategic importance for the Trump administration, enhancing America's logistical support in military scenarios and reducing dependency on foreign vessels for transoceanic supply transportation. Bryan's office remains unavailable for further comments.

(With inputs from agencies.)