The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has released its Annual Flag State Performance Table for 2024/2025, an authoritative industry reference assessing the adherence of flag states to international safety, environmental, and labor standards. This report serves as a key guidance tool for shipowners and operators in evaluating flag state administrations based on objective performance criteria.
The International Ships Registry of Guinea-Bissau (GB ISR) is pleased to announce its inclusion in the ICS Flag State Performance Table, marking a significant recognition of the registry’s gradual and structured enhancement in regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and international competitiveness. This development reflects the ongoing progress of the GB ISR in aligning with global best practices and strengthening its position within the international maritime transport registration framework.
Guinea-Bissau’s Flag Performance and Competitive Growth
The ICS Flag State Performance Table evaluates flag administrations based on key indicators such as:
Port State Control (PSC) records under major MoUs
Ratification and implementation of IMO and ILO conventions
Oversight and quality control of Recognized Organizations (ROs)
Transparency in reporting obligations to IMO and ILO
Active participation in international maritime regulatory processes
The inclusion of the Guinea-Bissau flag in this assessment underscores the registry’s continuous improvement, ensuring a reliable, compliant, and competitive flag option for the global shipping industry.
GB INTERNATIONAL – A Flag Administration with a Global Vision
The International Ships Registry of Guinea-Bissau (GB ISR) is a private corporation, registered under Greek law, exclusively appointed and delegated by the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, Ministry of Transports and Communications. It is responsible for the management, operation, and administration of the country’s international ship registry, providing registration services to vessels engaged in worldwide trade.
Through a strategic focus on quality, regulatory compliance, and service efficiency, the GB ISR has steadily enhanced its international standing, offering shipowners a competitive and transparent registration platform aligned with competitive and quality oriented maritime industry standards.
Commitment to Performance Excellence
The GB ISR remains dedicated to reinforcing its global position through:
Enhanced implementation of IMO Conventions – Ensuring strict compliance with international safety, environmental, and labor standards.
Continuous improvement in Port State Control (PSC) performance – Strengthening regulatory compliance to achieve higher rankings within major MoUs.
Strict enforcement of ILO MLC 2006 standards – Following Guinea-Bissau’s official ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) in June 2024, ensuring seafarers’ rights and welfare are fully protected.
Active participation in global compliance initiatives – The GB ISR plays a proactive role in the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), a global initiative promoting best practices in maritime regulatory compliance. The 2024 RISC Conference, organized by the U.S. Department of State (Bureau of International Security & Nonproliferation), provided an essential platform for discussing challenges and opportunities in maritime sanctions compliance.
Strengthened international representation – The establishment of the Guinea-Bissau
Permanent Mission to the IMO further enhances the country’s engagement in international maritime affairs, reinforcing its commitment to responsible flag state administration.
Conclusion
The inclusion of the Guinea-Bissau flag in the ICS Flag State Performance Table marks a milestone achievement in the registry’s continuous advancement. With a steadily increasing competitive position in international ship registration, the GB ISR remains committed to operational excellence, strict regulatory compliance, and ongoing performance enhancements—ensuring it remains a trusted and competitive choice for shipowners worldwide.
Source: Guinea-Bissau International Ships Registry