Sanctions Policy of the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR)
Sanctions Policy of the Vanuatu International Shipping Registry (VISR)
Effective 15 October 2025
Introduction
The Vanuatu International Shipping Registry ("VISR") is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of compliance with international law. This Sanctions Policy outlines the principles and enforcement measures adopted by the Maritime Administrator of the Republic of Vanuatu in accordance with its obligations as a responsible flag State.
The policy ensures that VISR operates transparently, in full alignment with the sanctions imposed by the United Nations (UN), the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom (UK), and other relevant international authorities.
1. Compliance with UN and OFAC Sanctions
VISR shall fully comply with all sanctions administered and enforced by the United Nations and the United States Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). No vessel, owner, operator, or associated entity listed on any UN or OFAC sanctions list shall be eligible for registration under the Vanuatu flag.
2. Blanket Compliance with EU and UK Sanctions
Effective 15 October 2025, VISR shall apply European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) sanctions on a blanket basis.
All restrictive measures imposed by the EU and UK are automatically and fully enforced by the Maritime Administrator. VISR will not accept or maintain the registration of any vessel, owner, operator, or associated entity that appears on, or is affected by, EU or UK sanctions lists.
A comprehensive review of the entire Vanuatu-flagged fleet shall be completed to ensure compliance. All vessels affected by EU or UK sanctions shall be deleted from the Vanuatu Register no later than 15 December 2025, without further notice to the owners, agents, or operators concerned.
This measure reflects the Republic of Vanuatu's commitment to international compliance, transparency, and the prevention of the misuse of its flag by sanctioned entities.
3. Compliance with U.S. Sanctions Related to Venezuela
VISR strictly prohibits the registration of oil tankers (including crude, product, and chemical carriers) or any other vessel involved in operations that breach U.S. sanctions related to Venezuela.
Any vessel engaged in transporting oil, petroleum products, or other goods in violation of U.S. sanctions-or associated with entities subject to such sanctions-shall be immediately deleted from the Vanuatu Register and permanently barred from future registration.
4. Compliance with Other Sanctions
VISR shall continue to monitor and consider other international sanctions regimes as necessary to protect the integrity of the Vanuatu flag, including those imposed by allied jurisdictions or international bodies where relevant to global maritime compliance.
5. Zero-Tolerance Policy Regarding Iran
VISR maintains a zero-tolerance policy concerning sanctions related to Iran. Any vessel, owner, or associated entity found to be in violation of sanctions pertaining to Iran will be immediately deregistered and permanently barred from re-registration.
6. Internal Enforcement and Staff Compliance
All VISR departments, compliance officers, and registry staff are required to strictly adhere to this Sanctions Policy.
No exceptions, waivers, or special approvals shall be permitted under any circumstances. Failure to enforce or comply with this policy shall be treated as a serious breach of duty and may result in disciplinary action.
7. Obligations of Shipowners, Operators, and Agents
All shipowners, operators, and managers are reminded of their ongoing duty to ensure that neither their vessels nor any associated entities are subject to sanctions by any of the aforementioned authorities at the time of application and throughout the duration of registration under the Vanuatu flag.
Applications for registration or continued operation of sanctioned vessels will be rejected without exception.
8. Consequences of Non-Compliance
Any attempt to register or maintain the registration of a vessel in violation of this policy shall result in:
Immediate rejection or deregistration;
Possible reporting of the matter to relevant international authorities; and
Permanent exclusion of the vessel, owner, or associated entities from future registration with VISR.
9. Review and Updates
This policy shall be reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with evolving international sanctions frameworks. Updates may be issued at any time to reflect new developments or international obligations.
All stakeholders are encouraged to consult the VISR website regularly for official circulars and policy amendments.
10. Contact Information
For inquiries, clarification, or reporting related to sanctions compliance, please contact:
