The ITF union has cautiously welcomed Cambodia’s plans to transform its flag into a “genuine national ship register.”
ITF maritime coordinator Jacqueline Smith said that in May the government had announced it was abolishing the register entirely.
“Since then they have suggested they will decisively act to transform it into a true national flag: Cambodian ships, owned in Cambodia, rather than the ragtag collection of seaborne offenders that has marked its inglorious history as one of the world’s most disreputable flags.”
But she added that the proof of this intention would be shown by what happens next.
“The theory is admirable – making the flag what it should be, a true national resource – but we will all have to see how it works out,” she said.
“If they are genuinely committed to making it work, they will have our support. But we are cautious, the messages are mixed, and we’ve heard the promises of reform before.”
At the end of July, Cambodia had 123 ships of more than 100 gt registered.
