Mozambique Flag Registration Fraud Exposed: Disha Tanker Attack Sparks Compliance Concerns

• LPG tanker Disha was attacked in Iranian waters while sailing under the Mozambican flag, sparking an investigation into fraudulent vessel registrations.
• Another tanker, Deyna, was intercepted in March while claiming to sail under the same flag, with French investigators concluding that the registration was false.
• Industry figures have expressed concerns about corruption within Itransmar, suggesting that individuals may be issuing or selling fraudulent registration certificates without official authorisation.
• Lawyers advising clients on shipping or trade in Mozambique should be aware of potential compliance exposures related to vessel registrations and advise their clients to verify documentation with Itransmar directly.

Commercial vessels cannot simply decide to change nationality by painting a different flag on the stern. Registering under a new flag requires its previous registration to be cancelled and replaced with documentation recognising the new flag state.

A recent attack on the LPG tanker Disha in Iranian waters has shed light on a disturbing trend of fraudulent vessel registrations under the Mozambican flag. The incident is not an isolated case, as another tanker, Deyna, was intercepted in March while claiming to sail under the same flag. French investigators concluded that the registration was false, but found no evidence that the Mozambican authorities had issued it. This raises questions about who is responsible for issuing these fraudulent documents and whether there are weaknesses in the system that are being exploited.

Commercial vessels cannot simply change their nationality by painting a different flag on the stern. Registering under a new flag requires the previous registration to be cancelled and replaced with documentation recognising the new flag state. This process is exclusively the responsibility of Itransmar, Mozambique's maritime authority. However, industry figures have expressed concerns about corruption within the administration, suggesting that individuals may be issuing or selling fraudulent registration certificates without official authorisation.

The discovery of these fraudulent registrations has significant implications for shipping and trade in the region. Lawyers advising clients on shipping or trade in Mozambique should be aware of potential compliance exposures related to vessel registrations. To mitigate these risks, clients should verify documentation with Itransmar directly. The incident highlights the need for vigilance and due diligence in ensuring that vessels are properly registered and compliant with relevant regulations.

Lawyers advising clients on shipping or trade in the region should be aware of potential compliance exposures related to fraudulent vessel registrations, and advise their clients to verify documentation with Itransmar directly.

Source: Original reporting via Zitamar News