—warns that misuse of national flags threatens maritime security, shipping industry credibility
CARIBBEAN countries must unite to clamp down on fraudulent ship registrations and the illegal use of national flags by vessels involved in illicit activities, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar, has urged, warning that Guyana has already fallen victim to the practice.
The Minister sounded the warning on Monday while addressing more than 400 regional and international delegates at the opening ceremony of the Caribbean Shipping Association’s 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.
Indar expressed serious concern over the operations of the so-called “dark fleet”(ships smuggling sanctioned oil from nations like Iran and Venezuela) , describing the practice as a major threat to the integrity of maritime administrations and the reputation of countries whose flags are being exploited.
“It is a curse on the shipping industry. It is a black stain on maritime authorities when your ship flag is used for nefarious activities,” he declared.
The Minister identified the transportation of firearms, sanctioned oil and other products, as well as human smuggling, among the illicit activities associated with such operations.
He stressed that no country should have its national flag or maritime registration system associated with criminal activities, particularly when vessels are operating without authorisation.
Drawing attention to Guyana’s own experiences, Indar said the country has been among the victims of fraudulent ship registrations and the unauthorised use of national flags.
He explained that he had personally witnessed the consequences of these operations, particularly their impact on shipping companies, marine insurance and flag-state administrations.
The Minister also highlighted the existence of questionable ship registries, pointing to instances where operators exploit loosely regulated jurisdictions to register vessels.
Against this backdrop, he stressed the need for Caribbean countries to work together to address the problem and protect the credibility of their maritime sectors.
The warning comes amid repeated incidents involving vessels falsely flying Guyana’s national flag.
In April 2026, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) confirmed that the oil tanker Majestic X, seized by United States authorities in the Indian Ocean, was not registered in Guyana, despite fraudulently operating under the country’s flag.
The vessel had reportedly been transporting Iranian oil and was previously sanctioned by the United States Treasury Department.
Similarly, in December 2025, MARAD disclosed that the oil tanker Skipper, formerly known as Adisa, was falsely flying Guyana’s flag when it was encountered by United States authorities in international waters.
MARAD has repeatedly condemned the unauthorised use of the national flag, maintaining that Guyana operates a closed ship registry and pledging to work with international partners to identify and pursue fraudulent operators.
Minister Indar’s call for regional cooperation comes as Caribbean maritime stakeholders meet in Georgetown to examine challenges affecting shipping, international trade and maritime connectivity.
The four-day conference, being held under the theme “Building a More Connected, Resilient and Competitive Caribbean”, brings together government officials, maritime executives, port authorities and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of regional shipping and logistics.
