Swiss government seeking to make the Swiss flag more attractive for shipowners

Switzerland is seeking to make it more attractive again for commercial ships to sail under the Swiss flag. This is the aim of the Maritime Strategy 2023-2027 adopted by the Federal Council, the Swiss federal government, on June 2. The measures also extend to cruise ships and riverboats on the Rhine, further details of which can be found in a press release.

The strategy envisages reviewing the requirements for registering ships in Switzerland. At the same time, there are also plans to develop far-reaching safety and sustainability standards as part of the strategy, while supervisory law is to be tightened and new administrative resources will be created in the event that deficiencies crop up. A coherent and efficient inspection regime will help to ensure the quality of the flag, with digitalized administration processes offering shipowners an attractive cost-benefit ratio.

The Maritime Strategy also provides a framework on the basis of which Switzerland can collaborate internationally on the further development of international maritime law and sustainability in the maritime sector. Moreover, there will be an emphasis on boosting the visibility of Swiss marine research achievements.

The Swiss flag has been available for commercial ships to sail under since 1941. However, in 2017, financial support for vessels sailing under the Swiss flag was discontinued. With the Geneva-based MSC, one of the world’s largest shipping companies is headquartered in Switzerland. In addition, Switzerland plays an important role in the international trade of raw materials through companies such as Glencore from Baar in the canton of Zug and Trafigura in Geneva. ce/stk