The annual report of the Paris Memorandum on Port State Control has been published together with its all important Black, Grey and White Lists showing the performance of flag states covering the period 2005 to 2007.

The lists form internationally recognised rankings of flag state performance in the international shipping industry.

Black listed flags show poor performance with a high proportion of poor quality ships detained in European ports.

The Grey List shows flags with an ‘average’ performance where more stringent controls are required to prevent further slippage.

The White List represents quality flags with a consistently low detention record.

The Isle of Man is ranked in 9th position from the 38 flags achieving White List recognition this year.

This position demonstrates that Isle of Man registered ships are being operated and maintained to the highest standards.

This reflects the hard work invested by both the ship owners and managers as well as the Ship Registry team in ensuring that the Isle of Man attracts a modern, high-quality fleet and that management standards are continuously maintained and improved.

Minister for Trade and Industry, Hon David Cretney MHK, explained:

“Since Mr Quintin Gill MHK has moved on to chair the Manx Electricity Authority, I have taken political responsibility for the Isle of Man Ship and Aircraft Registers and continue to oversee political responsibility for all economic development activities within my Department and I am delighted to see the Isle of Man placed so highly on the White List again this year. This is the industry’s global benchmark for excellence and demonstrates our commitment to quality.

"The Ship Registry team place a great deal of emphasis on monitoring the Isle of Man fleet’s Port State Control performance to secure our quality reputation. This White List recognition justifies the hard work which has been carried out," he concluded.