Ratification by Vanuatu of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007 and Issuance of Wreck Removal Convention Certificates

 

From: Office of the Maritime Administrator, Vanuatu International Shipping Registry

 

To: All Shipowners, Masters, Managers, Special Agents, Recognized Organizations, Approved P&I Clubs and All Other Interested Parties

 

The Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR) hereby informs all concerned parties that the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu has ratified the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007. In accordance with Article XVIII of the Convention, the Convention shall enter into force for the Republic of Vanuatu on 16 January 2026.

 

With effect from 16 January 2026, vessels subject to the Convention will be required to maintain compulsory insurance or other financial security covering liability for the removal of wrecks, as

prescribed under the Convention. Accordingly, as from the above date, in accordance with the provisions of the Nairobi International Convention on the Removal of Wrecks, 2007, the VISR will commence the issuance of the Certificate of Insurance or Other Financial Security in Respect of Liability for the Removal of Wrecks, upon satisfactory verification of valid insurance or other financial security.

 

As per IMO Circular Letter No. 3464, the VISR accepts Certificates of Insurance or Blue Cards issued by members of the International Group of P&I Clubs. In addition, certificates issued by

insurers and P&I Clubs approved or accepted by VISR are also recognized. A list of such approved or accepted providers is available on the official VISR website at www.register-vu.com.

The applicable fees for the issuance of the Wreck Removal Convention Certificate are established as follows.

 

• For Vanuatu-flagged vessels, the issuance fee shall be USD 150.

• For non-Vanuatu flagged vessels, the issuance fee shall be USD 250.

      

REPUBLIC OF VANUATU

OFFICE OF THE

MARITIME ADMINISTRATOR

VANUATU INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING REGISTRY

 

Application Procedure

Applications shall be submitted using the official “VISR - Application for Issuance of Wreck Removal Convention Certificate”, which is available on the official VISR website at www.register-vu.com. The completed application form shall be accompanied by a valid Wreck Removal Insurance Certificate or Blue Card issued by an approved or accepted P&I Club or insurance provider, together with a copy of the vessel’s current & valid Certificate of Registry.

 

All application documents shall be officially submitted by email to info@register-vu.com and mstrimbu@register-vu.com for review and processing by the VISR.

 

For further information or clarification, interested parties may contact the VISR at info@register-vu.com

 

For the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu

 

Saade Makhlouf

President & CEO

Vanuatu Logistics and Administrative Services Ltd

Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu