FMC probes flag states harbouring ‘shadow fleet’ vessels

After previously announcing an investigation into maritime choke points, the US Federal Maritime Commission chairman [Louis] Sola is continuing to embrace a growing role beyond regulating liner shipping, and is now probing flag states facilitating sanctioned oil trades. According to US monitoring group United Against Nuclear Iran, Panama flagged more than 40% of the Iran-trading fleet at the onset of 2024. UANI’s latest estimates put that at 17.4%. Sola also criticised the International Maritime Organization for moving too slowly on fake registries. According to UANI, 10% of vessels involved in Iranian oil trades are flying false flags.