Georgetown, Guyana — Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar has called on Caribbean countries to strengthen cooperation to combat fraudulent ship registrations and illegal maritime activities associated with so-called “dark fleet” operations.
The minister warned that vessels using national flags without proper authorisation can become involved in transporting firearms, sanctioned oil and other prohibited goods, as well as human smuggling. These activities can damage the reputation of countries whose flags are misused and undermine confidence in the international shipping industry.
Indar made the remarks on Monday at the opening of the Caribbean Shipping Association’s (CSA) 56th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. More than 450 maritime stakeholders, policymakers, executives and industry experts are attending the four-day event.
Fraudulent Ship Registrations Pose Regional Challenge
Minister Indar explained that criminal operators use fake registration documents to make vessels appear as though they are legally registered under the flags of countries that have not authorised them.
He said the practice affects more than the countries whose flags are being misused. Shipping companies, marine insurers and maritime administrations can also face reputational and operational consequences.
The minister described the problem as a serious threat to the integrity of the shipping sector and stressed that countries must work together to identify fraudulent operators and prevent their activities.
He also highlighted cases involving vessels supposedly registered under the flags of jurisdictions that do not have legitimate ship registries, illustrating the methods used to exploit weaknesses in maritime oversight.
Guyana Among Countries Affected
Indar disclosed that Guyana has also been affected by fraudulent ship-registration practices, which he said he had observed firsthand alongside Stephen Thomas, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD).
Guyana operates a closed ship registry, meaning registration under its flag is restricted to eligible owners and entities under the country’s established rules.
MARAD has identified cases of vessels falsely claiming Guyanese registration since 2021 and has shared information about fraudulent registrations with international maritime authorities and organisations.
Majestic X Case Highlights the Risks
One prominent example involved the oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized by United States forces in the Indian Ocean in April 2026 while carrying Iranian oil.
The vessel had been operating under Guyana’s flag without valid registration and had previously been sanctioned under the name PHONIX. The incident highlighted the risks countries face when criminal operators misuse their national identities in international maritime operations.
Such incidents can raise concerns about the credibility of national registries and reinforce the need for information-sharing and coordinated enforcement among countries.
Minister Urges Caribbean Countries to Work Together
Indar emphasised that no country can effectively eliminate dark fleet operations by acting alone.
He called on Caribbean governments, shipowners, port operators and maritime authorities to strengthen collaboration and develop a coordinated response to fraudulent registrations and related illegal activities.
Greater cooperation could help countries exchange intelligence, identify suspicious vessels and protect the integrity of their maritime systems.
The minister’s appeal comes as Caribbean countries seek to improve shipping connectivity, strengthen maritime security and protect their role in international trade.
Regional Shipping Conference Focuses on Connectivity and Resilience
The CSA conference is being held under the theme “Building a More Connected, Resilient and Competitive Caribbean.”
The four-day gathering brings together regional and international participants to discuss challenges affecting shipping, port operations, maritime security and logistics.
Indar’s call for collective action highlights the importance of maritime cooperation as the Caribbean works to protect its shipping industry, maintain the credibility of national flags and prevent vessels from being used for illegal activities.