Kyrgyzstan Disowns Unauthorized Ship Registrations Amidst International Maritime Organization Warning
Landlocked Kyrgyzstan has informed the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that no entity or individual is currently authorized to register or operate seagoing vessels under its flag. In a circular distributed to all IMO members, the Kyrgyz government stated it had not granted any authorization for such activities. This announcement comes amidst Kyrgyzstan's recent efforts to establish an international ship registry, despite being thousands of kilometers from the sea. Kyrgyzstan became the IMO's 176th member state in February 2024. Earlier this year, President Sadyr Japarov signed a new Merchant Shipping Code, which provides the framework for an international ship register, designating Bishkek as the port of registry. Local media reported in April that a private company, Maritime Register, had been selected as the national operator for this registry, responsible for vessel registration, certification, and compliance with international maritime standards. However, the government's recent circular cast... 
