new manager for Greece & Cyprus

The UK Ship Register (UKSR) offers effortless international ship registration, wide ranging integrated services and 24/hour support.

The UK Flag offers world class surveyors and regulation alongside ship registration services as part of the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency. The Red Ensign is recognised globally for the maintenance of high standards, maritime safety and the welfare of seafarers. UK Ship Register customers receive greater asset assurance and access to the best talent in the industry. The aim is to provide customers with the best possible service experience, designed for 24/7/365 shipping around the globe.

The UK Ship Register (UKSR) has welcomed a new recruit to its office in Greece.

The office in Piraeus opened in 2020 to build valuable long-term partnerships with local ship owners as well as strengthen the presence of the Flag in the Greek shipping industry.

The UKSR have appointed ARETI MARINA (ARETINA) PASCHALOUDI a local executive with experience in shipping and maritime law to manage the UKSR’s flag services for Greece and Cyprus based customers. She will take an active lead on meeting with new and existing customers, giving the Greek and Cypriot market dedicated support and information on the advantages of the UK Flag. You can find the first interview of Aretina in the following pages...

You are the head of UK Ship Register in the Piraeus Office for the last couple of months. What were the reasons that led you make that choice and what are the expectations for 2023 as far as this local office is concerned?

Being a representative of a unique organization in Greece, my home country, and Cyprus is about connecting and creating awareness of its valuable mission.

Combining the scope of the role with the tremendous importance of the shipping industry in both Greece and Cyprus, I instantly had a crush with the contributions this role can bring for the UK Ship Register while thinking of the impact this role can have for both the UKSR and the economic welfare of the local communities. It’s also a unique career learning opportunity allowing me the opportunity to leverage my previous background and individual strengths while expanding my breadth of experience in a new and complex territory

Our priorities for this year are straightforward and revolve around the biggest asset, people. First one being to increase awareness of the UKSR activities and portfolio in the domestic sector. Secondly, to become the voice of customers and empower our mutual growth. Last but not least to continue our presence at key events, connecting with local operators ensuring we are approachable open to business.

Your moto is that “Selection of Flag State is a critical strategic decision” What do you mean by that? What are the reasons UK flag should be included in the Greek shipowner’s flags of choice?

The decision on flag state has an impact across many areas, such as ship financing, purchasing and newbuild delivery, which is why it’s such a strategic decision. The UK Flag prides itself in becoming a partner of its customer, an extension of their global operations. We have a full team of technical and regulatory experts and customer support that can be part of those strategic decisions from the very beginning.

As a Flag we offer a great deal of flexibility and our customers receive a personalised round-the-clock service, with benefits and fee packages to suit individual requirements.

Our registration fees are one of the lowest for an international register, with average annual fees under £5,000. There is the flexibility of pay as you go or pre-packaged fees, offering predictable business planning for shipping companies, with no hidden annual flag taxes. Should operators wish to join the highly competitive UK Tonnage Tax scheme, UK Flag Registration now counts towards the strategic and commercial management test offering Greek and Cypriot ship owners even more opportunity.

Customers also have the flexibility of using dedicated team of world-renowned UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency surveyors or the flexibility of being able to delegate to Class through an alternative compliance scheme. Our surveyors travel internationally to support our vessels and we also have a base in Singapore. Technical advice and support is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

The UK Flag team are continually developing the offer, working with teams across the UK Government. This can range from policy decisions around seafarers, and weddings at sea to decarbonisation regulation and reviews on fees to strengthen its commercial appeal.

What are the advantages of the UK Flag? What are the UK Ship Register’s Services and global performance?

The UK Flag ranks highly in global performance indicators. As an international flag we consistently achieve White List status on both the Tokyo and Paris MoU and have maintained US Coastguard Qualship21 for over a decade.

We know global performance features highly when ship owners are making flagging in decisions. Choosing a flag like the UK which ranks highly may reduce the number of port state control inspections, resulting in fewer delays which ultimately is better for the companies operating costs.

The Red Ensign is recognised globally for the maintenance of high standards, maritime safety and the welfare of seafarers and UK Flag customers could receive greater asset assurance and access to the best talent in the industry as a result.

Lately the shipping industry has been focusing on addressing the top issue of zero carbon emission. How does UK Ship Register deal with all these rules and regulations about d ecarbonization?

The UK’s aim is to be the best performing flag, port and coastal State in the world and as an IMO Member State and IMO Council Member, the UK is committed to influencing and enhancing maritime safety and protecting the maritime environment in collaboration with the international community.

This year decarbonisation remains top of the agenda with EEXI regulations coming into force internationally. We are already working closely with operators as more LNG, battery and hydrogen powered newbuilds come into service and in 2023 we expect exploration and regulation of other alternative fuels to develop. We have dedicated teams at the MCA who are looking at the impact of these fuels, but also what operators can do now to reduce their energy usage such as wing technologies and hull optimisation. The first in a series of sector specific decarbonisation events was held in late 2022. The event was designed to provide insights on the technology available now to help ship owners and operators reduce energy usage, and in turn reduce their operating costs and emissions. It is available watch on demand https://ukshipregister. co.uk/news/catch-up-mca-energy-efficiency-event/

How important is for you the Greek and Cypriot Shipping market and why?

We recognise the importance and influence of Greek and Cypriot shipping owners and the long-held Anglo-Greek relationship. Maritime is a truly global sector and we are focused on building links and maximising new partnerships in the region which will help build a brighter future for the sector.