Palau assures normal operations after taking control of Open Ship Registry

Services will not be interrupted amidst switch to government oversight.

The Government of the Republic of Palau is now in charge of the island nation's Open Ship Registry, offering assurances of uninterrupted services as the registry transitions from the control of its previous operator.

Services provided by the Palau Open Ship Registry include those related to flag-state administration, vessel registration, statutory certification, and regulatory supervision.

"The recent amendments to the Maritime and Admiralty Act will allow the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries to take the necessary steps to ensure a gradual and orderly transition so that the efficient provision of registry services is not unduly interrupted during this period," an official announcement noted.

"By taking these measures, the Government has addressed issues arising from the registry's previous corporate operating structure whilst ensuring that proven professional expertise and institutional knowledge continue to support the Palau Flag."

The Palau government also went on to assert that its actions had to do with corporate and governance matters associated with the former registry operating structure, clarifying that the administrative move does not reflect on the professional integrity of ex-Palau International Ship Registry CEO Panos Kirnidis.

Meanwhile Bureau of Marine Transportation Director Hayes Moses stated: "Our priority is to ensure continuity of service and the effective administration of the Palau Flag. All registry services continue to be delivered in accordance with established procedures and international standards."

The western-most archipelago of the Micronesia region in the Pacific Ocean, Palau consists of about 340 islands, islets, and atolls.