China launches Hainan international ship registry

China has opened up its first international ship registry in Hainan province to further boost the island’s development into a free trade port.

The Hainan International Ship Registration Administration, launched in Yangpu, Hainan, is responsible for the registration, quality management, inspection, flag state services, and policy research for vessels flagged under the China Yangpu Port registry. 

"The administration will provide efficient, convenient, and high-quality registration services to both domestic and international vessels with principles of "convenient service, standardised management, and internationalised development", said an official from the administration.

A ceremony in late November marked the launch of the registry with the presentation of the registry's first ownership certificate to heavy lift vessel Shengchang 777.

There are currently 47 vessels under the Yangpu Port flag, with a total of 5.33m dwt of international shipping capacity.

The shipping industry has undergone rapid development in Hainan since China announced plans in 2020 to turn the province's main island into the world's largest free trade port. Over 700 shipping entities have been formed in the province since the announcement of the free trade port plan.