Circular on Revised Annual Registration Fees for Offshore Fishing Vessels (Effective 1 October 2025)

Circular #23 - Revised

Subject: Revised Annual Registration Fees for Offshore Fishing Vessels (Effective 1 October 2025)To: All Recognized Agents, Vessel Owners, and Operators of Fishing Vessels Registered under the Vanuatu Flag

1. Background

Circular 023, issued on 17 August 2025, introduced a new fee structure for offshore fishing vessels. Following receipt of comments from recognized agents - including the detailed submission from Ming Dar Fishery Co. Ltd. - the Maritime Administrator has reviewed the matter in light of industry concerns and operational realities. The Administrator acknowledges the difficulties described by operators, particularly tuna longliners, in recent years due to market conditions, fuel costs, and fleet aging. At the same time, the Republic of Vanuatu must ensure that registry fees reflect the responsibilities of a flag State and provide sustainable funding for compliance and monitoring.

2. Revised Annual Fee Structure (Effective 1 October 2025)

After consideration, the following adjusted annual registration fees are adopted:

• Trawlers, Purse Seiners, and Longliners over 1,000 GRT → USD 56,400 per vessel per year

• Fishing vessels between 500 and 1,000 GRT (any type) → USD 27,400 per vessel per year

• Fishing vessels under 500 GRT (any type) → USD 14,800 per vessel per year

• Reefer Carriers → USD 4,200 per vessel per year

These fees replace those originally published under Circular 023 and will apply from 1 October 2025 onwards.

3. Application

• Fees are payable in full at the time of annual registration renewal.

• No vessel will be issued a renewed Certificate of Registry without full payment of the applicable fee.

• Failure to pay by the due date will result in suspension or deregistration.

4. Case-by-Case Consideration

The Maritime Administrator will consider written submissions from owners on a case-by-case basis where exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated. Any such request must be submitted in writing and will be assessed individually, provided it does not undermine the integrity of the Registry or the national interest of Vanuatu.

This revision reflects the Republic of Vanuatu's commitment to balancing industry realities with its sovereign responsibility to safeguard national interests and uphold international fisheries obligations.

Saade Makhlouf
President & CEO
Office of the Maritime Administrator
Vanuatu International Shipping Registry

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