Paris MoU Addresses Rising Fraudulent Maritime Certificates Amid Safety Concerns
The Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MoU) convened its 59th Committee meeting in Glasgow from May 18 to 22, focusing on the increasing issue of fraudulent maritime certificates. The Committee noted a rise in the detention rate to 4.18% in 2025, up from previous years, highlighting the critical role of Port State Control as a safety net. The meeting addressed the growing number of ships operating with fraudulent registrations and certificates, prompting the development of practical guidance for handling such cases. The Committee emphasized the need for enhanced international cooperation and information exchange to tackle these deceptive practices. Additionally, a new initiative was launched to develop a harmonized Port State Control approach for fishing vessels over 24 meters, with a dedicated task force set to develop core elements for this initiative.