The proportion of ships detained after inspections by European port authorities fell from a 10-year high in 2023 but familiar failings continued, according to a new report.
Fire safety, electrical issues and seafarer welfare remained among the top reasons for detaining ships by the 27 states that are part of the Paris MoU agreement, according to the organisation’s annual report.
The detention rate of ships inspected in 2023 was 3.81%, down from 4.25% the previous year.
It was still well above the pre-Covid 19 rates in 2019 when it dipped below 3%, according to the data.
The four lowest-ranked flags all performed worse in 2023 compared to the previous year.
The highest number of detentions per inspection was recorded by Cameroon (35%), followed by Tanzania (34%), Comoros (22%) and Vanuatu (18%).
A higher proportion of livestock carriers and general cargo ships were detained than other ship types.
The highest proportion of detentions in 2022 was for Moldova-flagged vessels, which saw 31% of ships detained of those inspected.
The Paris MoU leadership in last year’s report criticised shipowners, flag states and recognised organisations for not doing enough to ensure good quality shipping.
It noted the “minimal improvement” in 2023 and said it would continue to monitor developments closely this year.
It said it expected all players in the maritime sector to “take the measures necessary to guarantee safe and environment-friendly shipping, with adequate working and living conditions on board”.
The Paris MoU is one of 10 port state control regimes worldwide. Its membership includes 26 European coastal states and Canada.
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