The newly formed Palau International Ship Registry has processed its first two vessel registrations at a historic inauguration ceremony. At the ceremony, held in Singapore on September 28, 2012, the cruise/passenger vessels Amusement World (12,764 GRT) and Leisure World (15,653 GRT) were registered and Palau International Ship Registry was officially launched.
The event was attended by Delegate Swenny Ongidobel, Congressman, House of Delegates, Palau National Congress; Delegate Lentcer Basilius, Congressman, House of Delegates, Palau National Congress; Steven Kanai, Permanent Representative of Palau to the International Maritime Organization and Representative of the Palau International Ship Registry in Palau; and Fermin Meriang, Press Secretary of the Office of the President.
Dignitaries from Universal Ship Management Pte Ltd, the company which manages the two vessels, also attended.
Keith Lai, Executive Director of Universal Ship Management Pte Ltd, said: “We decided to change the flag of the two passenger ships that we manage, Amusement World and Leisure World, to the Palau International Ship Registry because we wanted a flag that would represent quality, expertise and professionalism and also provide a fast, efficient and reliable service.”
President of the Republic of Palau Johnson Toribiong added: “The Republic of Palau archipelago is like a fleet of emerald islands floating on a clear, pristine, and peaceful ocean. Our flag, golden full moon on an ocean blue field, symbolizes beauty, bounty, tranquillity, safety, and peace.
“In announcing the opening of the Palau International Ship Registry for business, we are committed to ensuring the safety of our fleet personnel and passengers, ensuring protection of environment by which our fleet traverse, and ensuring peaceful voyages of our fleet, reflective of the Republic of Palau and her flag.
The Palau International Ship Registry is an open registry headquartered in Houston, with John Waight appointed as Manager Director.