Overview:
Amid recent legal reforms, the Palau government says the Palau Open Ship Registry continues to operate normally, reaffirming stability, international compliance and uninterrupted services for the global shipping industry.
By: L.N. Reklai
Koror, Palau (January 6, 2026) — “All registry services continue without interruption and in full compliance with international standards,” said Hayes Moses, director of the Bureau of Marine Transportation, as the Palau government moved to reassure shipowners and maritime partners of the stability of the Palau Open Ship Registry.
The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industries said the registry remains fully operational under the authority of the Government of the Republic of Palau, with all services administered through the Bureau of Marine Transportation.
Since Dec. 15, 2025, the bureau has overseen uninterrupted vessel registration, statutory certification, regulatory oversight and flag-state administration, the ministry said. Officials emphasized that registry operations continue to meet Palau’s legal requirements and international maritime obligations.
The assurance follows recent amendments to Palau’s Maritime and Admiralty Act, which allow the ministry to carry out a gradual and orderly transition of registry operations. Government officials said the changes are intended to strengthen governance and oversight while ensuring continuity of service for the global shipping industry.
According to the ministry, the amendments address issues related to the registry’s former corporate operating structure while preserving professional expertise and institutional knowledge supporting the Palau Flag.
“This approach strengthens oversight without disrupting proven systems or experience,” the ministry said.
The government also stressed that the Palau Flag’s international standing has not been affected. Officials reiterated that Palau remains a respected and reliable flag state, with its validity, recognition and day-to-day registry operations fully intact.
The ministry said the Bureau of Marine Transportation will continue to manage all ship registry services during the transition period and that updates will be provided through official government channels as appropriate.